Get all the latest India news and top breaking news live from all cities of India only on Readselective.com. Read latest India news, current affairs and news headlines online today.
Kangana Ranaut praised PM Modi as the “flag bearer of feminism” in Lok Sabha, backing women’s quota reforms and attacking Congress for delaying the issue for decades while in power.
Kangana Ranaut praised PM Modi as the “flag bearer of feminism” in Lok Sabha.
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, calling him the “only flag bearer of feminism” while speaking during a debate on the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Participating in the discussion in the lower house, Ranaut said, “The daughters of India today believe that there is no bigger feminist than the Prime Minister,” as she backed the government’s push for women’s reservation.
‘IN A HURRY TO DELIVER JUSTICE TO WOMEN’
Defending the government’s pace, Ranaut said the Prime Minister was acting decisively to ensure long-pending reforms.
“What didn’t happen in 60 years, he achieved in 10 — be it pucca houses, providing gas cylinders, or inducting women into defence forces,” she said.
“One thing is certain: he is in a hurry to give justice to women.”
Reiterating her praise, she added, “He is the flag bearer of feminism.”
TARGETS CONGRESS OVER DELAY
Ranaut also launched a sharp attack on the Congress, questioning why the party had not implemented women’s reservations during its decades in power.
Referring to remarks by Sonia Gandhi, she said, “Sonia Gandhi says why are they (BJP) in a hurry to bring the bill. Should we be like you and let it hang for 30 years?”
Her comments came as Parliament debated three bills, including the Constitution amendment to mandate 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
HIGHLIGHTS LOW REPRESENTATION
Ranaut also pointed to the low representation of women in state legislatures, citing Himachal Pradesh as an example.
“In Himachal Pradesh, we have 68 MLAs of which only one is a woman. Other states have a similar representation of 8-9%,” she said, arguing that structural reform is necessary.
India has eliminated Naxal violence nationwide, the Home Ministry says, reclassifying districts under new categories while maintaining vigilance in select areas after sustained operations under the 2015 anti-Maoist strategy.
According to official communication sent to nine states on April 8, no district in the country is currently classified as Naxal violence-affected. (Representative image)
India is no longer affected by Naxal violence, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has told states following a high-level security review, marking what the government described as a “historic achievement.”
According to official communication sent to nine states on April 8, no district in the country is currently classified as Naxal violence-affected. The update follows sustained counter-insurgency operations carried out under the National Policy and Action Plan on Left Wing Extremism (LWE) launched in 2015.
The announcement aligns with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in Parliament on March 30, where he said India had become free of Maoist influence.
SHIFT IN DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION
Until late March, two districts — Bijapur in Chhattisgarh and West Singhbhum in Jharkhand — were still considered Naxal-affected. However, following the latest review on April 8, that classification has been removed.
Instead, authorities have reorganised affected regions into new monitoring categories.
A total of 37 districts have now been classified as “Legacy and Thrust Districts,” indicating that while they are no longer affected by active Naxal violence, continued focus on security and development remains necessary.
One district — West Singhbhum in Jharkhand — has been placed under the category of “District of Concern,” suggesting that while insurgent networks have weakened, vigilance is still required.
SPREAD ACROSS NINE STATES
These 38 districts are spread across nine states: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and West Bengal.
Officials say the new classification reflects a transition from active conflict zones to areas requiring sustained monitoring and development support.
RESULT OF LONG-TERM STRATEGY
The government credited the achievement to coordinated efforts between the Centre and state governments over the past decade.
The 2015 LWE policy focused on a combination of security operations, infrastructure development and welfare measures aimed at weakening Maoist networks while improving governance in affected areas.
Indian and Pakistan naval vessels came unusually close near the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions over shipping routes, with both sides escorting energy cargoes as fears grow over disruption in West Asia waters.
Strait of Hormuz sees rare India-Pakistan naval proximity amid shipping risks.
A rare maritime development near the Strait of Hormuz has brought Indian and Pakistan naval operations into unusually close proximity, with warships of both countries observed operating just 18 nautical miles apart amid rising tensions in West Asia waters.
The movement was reported by open-source intelligence analyst Damien Symon, associated with The Intel Lab, who flagged the proximity of the vessels operating off the coast of Oman.
“A rare event observed a short while ago: Indian and Pakistani navy vessels are operating just 18 nautical miles apart off the coast of Oman, likely as both countries work to secure their merchant shipping interests amid the West Asia conflict,” Symon said, sharing a map indicating the positioning.
Shortly after, he noted that a Pakistan-flagged crude oil tanker, Sargodha, was en route to Karachi under Pakistan Navy escort.
The development comes as both countries step up maritime security measures in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint.
A rare event observed a short while ago: Indian and Pakistani navy vessels are operating just 18 nautical miles apart off the coast of Oman, likely as both countries work to secure their merchant shipping interests amid the West Asia conflict pic.twitter.com/QL5quM7gm2
The Indian Navy has been identifying and escorting India-bound ships carrying liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas and crude oil under Operation Urja Suraksha, launched to ensure safe passage through volatile waters.
The operation is aimed at escorting, guiding and safeguarding energy shipments bound for Indian ports as tensions escalate over shipping risks in the region following disruptions linked to West Asia conflict dynamics.
An official told The Hindu, “We are escorting and, to some extent, helping ships in navigation for smooth movement through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, till the Arabian Sea.”
The official also said Indian Navy destroyers and frigates are extending protection beyond the Strait as well.
RECENT ESCORT OPERATIONS
In recent weeks, the Navy has escorted multiple energy carriers through the region.
LPG carriers Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, carrying nearly 92,000 tonnes of cooking gas, reached Indian ports between March 26 and 27 after protected transit.
Other vessels escorted include LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi, along with crude oil tanker Jag Laadki.
An Indian-flagged vessel, Jag Vikram, carrying 20,400 metric tonnes of LPG, arrived at Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat on Wednesday, marking the ninth Indian vessel to exit the Persian Gulf since early March.
Officials said about 15 Indian-flagged ships are still in the region awaiting passage.
REGIONAL NAVAL MOVEMENTS INTENSIFY
Meanwhile, Pakistan has also stepped up escort operations for its merchant fleet. A Pakistan-flagged crude oil tanker Sargodha was seen moving towards Karachi under naval protection after passing through the Strait.
Earlier this week, two Pakistani merchant vessels were allowed to cross the Strait of Hormuz to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates after initially being denied passage by Iranian authorities.
Punjab Police suspended the ASI after a video of her granddaughter, crying after being left outside with her limbs bound with cloth, went viral.
Video of the woman cop’s cruelty to her granddaughter went viral.
A woman assistant sub-inspector (ASI) in Punjab’s Faridkot was suspended after she allegedly tied her five-year-old granddaughter to a gate at her residence, leaving her there in scorching heat, police said on Wednesday.
The action came after a purported clip showing the girl — crying profusely, with her hands and feet tied to the gate with a cloth — went viral on social media.
After hearing the child’s cries, neighbours — who captured the alleged cruelty on video — came to her rescue and untied the girl.
Police said the parents of the girl are residing in Portugal and have left the child to her grandmother’s care.
ASI Sarabjit Kaur is posted as a Mahila Mitra (women’s helpdesk) in Faridkot, police said.
After the video went viral, Faridkot Senior Superintendent of Police Pragya Jain took note of it and placed the ASI under suspension.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Tarlochan Singh said the ASI is a resident of Dogar Basti area in Faridkot.
Chirag Madaan, who had been working in the corporate banking sector, shared in a now-viral clip that the decision to quit was not impulsive but driven by mounting work pressure.
An IIT Delhi graduate was forced to leave his bank job due to toxic work culture. (Photo: Instagram)
A 24-year-old graduate from Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) Delhi has sparked a wider conversation on toxic work culture after opening up about why he chose to walk away from a high-paying banking job, despite earning nearly Rs 17 lakh a year.
Chirag Madaan, who had been working in the corporate banking sector, shared in a now-viral clip that the decision was not impulsive but driven by mounting work pressure and a deteriorating work-life balance.
What began as a standard 9-to-5 job gradually stretched into much longer days, often running from 9 am to 7 pm. The workweek, he said, also extended from five days to six, leaving little room for rest or personal time.
In the video, Madaan explained how even basic breaks became difficult to manage. Lunch hours were tightly restricted, with employees expected to finish within 10 to 15 minutes due to constant workload. Taking time off was equally challenging. According to him, even sick leave required detailed explanations, making it hard for employees to step away when needed.
Watch the video here:
A significant part of the stress, he noted, came from aggressive sales expectations. Employees were reportedly required to close deals worth up to Rs 10 crore, and failing to meet targets often resulted in added pressure and repeated performance cycles. Over time, the constant demands began to take a toll.
His account has since resonated with many young professionals, particularly those navigating high-pressure corporate roles. The clip has prompted discussions about unrealistic expectations, long working hours, and the need for healthier workplace practices.
How the faith of an Indian Maharaja travelled across seas, allowing him to carry Gangajal all the way to London, remains one of the more telling stories of faith and orthodoxism in early 20th-century India. The world’s largest silver jars now stand preserved in the City Palace of Jaipur, drawing the attention of almost every visitor who walks past them.
How the faith of an Indian Maharaja travelled across seas, allowing him to carry Gangajal all the way to London, remains one of the more telling stories of faith and orthodoxism in early 20th-century India. (Photo: Sawai Madho Singh II and the Silver jar | Wikimedia Commons)
Cows, silver jars, and many priests – this is how the Maharaja of Jaipur began his journey to London in 1902 aboard the ship Olympia, but only after ensuring that the vessel had never touched beef.
Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II had to travel to London following the demise of Queen Victoria, when King Edward VII invited him, along with several Indian rulers, to attend the coronation ceremony. Deep-rooted religious beliefs turned what could have been a routine royal visit into something far larger.
Today, when a visitor walks into the City Palace of Jaipur, the experience follows a series of pauses — first at the artefacts, and then at a massive jar, the largest in the world, recorded in the Guinness World Records and made entirely of precious silver metal.
The jar weighs around 345 kg, stands 5 feet 3 inches tall, and has a circumference of nearly 15 feet, capable of carrying up to 4,200 litres of water.
The world’s largest silver jar has stood at the entrance of the Palace for over a century. Made three in original in 1894, carrying the story of a Maharaja of Jaipur who once took Ganga water to London.
“In the summer of 1902, when the maharajah of Jaipur set sail to attend the coronation of King Edward VII in London, parked in his steamer was a team of Indian cows. The cow, venerated by orthodox Hindus, had for generations now enjoyed a place of eminence in the overseas retinues of high-born ‘natives’,” writes Manu S Pillai in Gods, Guns and Missionaries.
INVITATION TO THE CORONATION
When Jaipur’s Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II received an invitation from King Edward VII to attend the coronation ceremony, he decided to bring the world’s largest silver urns to London, not as objects of display but as a part of a solution to a problem that refused to be ignored.
The three life-size urns were made from 14,000 silver coins over three years of heavy labour by the palace silversmiths, and were ready by 1894.
Why the huge silver urns were created remains a mystery. But the Maharaja used the jars to undertake a perilous journey across the sea which would test his fate.
The popular Hindu belief at the time was that crossing the sea, or the kala pani, could damage one’s caste status and ritual purity. This pushed the Maharaja’s Hindu priests and royal advisors to find a way to balance religious tradition with the expectations of King Edward VII of England.
The proposed three-month visit, along with the need to preserve his faith, was not easy for the Maharaja, his courtiers, or the priests to agree upon.
After prolonged discussions and consultations with the priests, conditions were set for the journey: no meat would be cooked on board, idols would travel with him placed on soil from Jaipur, every meal would be offered to the gods before consumption, and most importantly, he would drink only Gangajal during the journey.
As the time for departure approached, just two days before sailing, the selected vessel, untouched by beef in any form, a condition that narrowed choices but eventually led them to Olympia, a newly built ship yet to make its first voyage, was purified with Ganga water, while priests performed rituals, chants were recited, and prayers were offered to Lord Varuna to ensure a calm passage.
THE JOURNEY BEHIND THE CORONATION
The journey did not come cheap. Chartering the ship for the full voyage, along with a month-long halt in the UK, cost the Jaipur ruler Rs 1.5 million, a figure that would stand close to Rs 750 million today, and yet, despite the scale of the expense, he chose to travel alone as the sole passenger on board.
The ship sailed from Bombay in 1902. Life onboard followed its own rhythm, with six suites in use.
The most luxurious suite was set aside for Gopalji, the family deity of the Jaipur royals, whose idol travelled with the Maharaja.
The second one was reserved for the Maharaja himself, while a third was sanctioned for the royal priests of Jaipur.
A fourth was given to a close relative, known as a ‘Tazmi’ Sardar, and the remaining two suites were shared among other members of the entourage.
No prayers and all the rituals performed did not defy the toughness of a sea journey, and the fear of the Maharaja turned real when Varuna (the sea god) did not stay calm for long.
As the ship moved through the Red Sea, a storm hit, forcing the priests to advise the Maharaja to release one of the silver urns into the waters in the hope that the gesture would ease the waves.
Finally, after overcoming the waves and defying the odds, the King of Jaipur reached England. The British, seeing the two silver jars, too large to be seen as ordinary, could not believe their eyes.
King Edward VII hosted the Maharaja of Jaipur along with other Indian rulers. At court, he presented a finely crafted sword set with diamonds shaped like a lotus, edged with emerald details.
However, the Maharaja himself did not attend the coronation ceremony, as he could not be present in an area where beef was being consumed. Instead, he chose to stay and eat food prepared in his own camp.
The Union Home Ministry’s decision comes after a threat assessment report by the Intelligence Bureau, which recommended enhanced protection for the AAP leader.
Raghav Chadha (File Photo: ITG)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has now been provided Z category security cover by the Centre based on an existing threat perception, according to sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs. The security will be extended in both Delhi and Punjab, with paramilitary forces assigned for his protection.
Sources told India Today that, for the time being, the Delhi Police has been instructed to provide immediate security cover to Chadha until the central arrangement is formally put in place.
The decision follows a threat assessment report prepared by the Intelligence Bureau, which recommended enhanced protection.
The development comes just hours after the Punjab government, led by the AAP, withdrew Chadha’s earlier Z+ category security cover, which had been provided by the state police. The withdrawal was being seen as significant given the ongoing tensions between Chadha and the AAP leadership.
Chadha, a prominent AAP leader elected to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab, had been enjoying Z+ security cover from the state government.
However, sources indicated that this cover was withdrawn last week, amid an escalating rift within the party. The Centre’s move to grant him Z category security shortly after has drawn attention in political circles.
RIFT WITH AAP DEEPENS
The security reshuffle coincides with Chadha’s removal as deputy leader of AAP in the Rajya Sabha, a decision that has further intensified his differences with the party leadership.
Reacting to his removal, Chadha stated that he had been “silenced, not defeated,” signalling a clear pushback against the party’s actions.
AAP leaders have accused Chadha of not adequately raising Punjab’s concerns in Parliament and adopting what they described as a “soft” approach instead of aggressively opposing the Centre.
They also alleged that he had avoided participating in key opposition actions, including walkouts and signing notices against constitutional authorities.
CHADHA REJECTS CHARGES
Raghav Chadha has strongly rejected these allegations, calling them “lies” and asserting that his role as a parliamentarian is to raise public issues constructively rather than engage in disruptions.
He maintained that his parliamentary record speaks for itself and defended his approach as being focused on substantive debate.
SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, VIDEOS SIGNAL PUSHBACK
In recent days, Chadha has also taken to social media to counter criticism and signal his stance. He has shared multiple videos and posts highlighting his interventions in Parliament, including a video compilation titled “Voice Raised Price Paid”.
In one post, he remarked that he would “let his work do the talking”.
Adding to the political intrigue, Chadha recently commented “interesting thought” on a video suggesting he should float his own political party, fuelling speculation about his future within AAP.
Celebrating the remarkable milestone with the coveted spot, he said that the recognition brings a “big honour for the years of consistency” for him.
Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna.
Celebrity chef and restauranter Vikas Khanna shared a heartfelt note on Instagram after he was named among TIME’s Most Influential People of 2026, saying that it is not just a milestone, but a deeply personal moment that brings his entire journey full circle.
Celebrating the remarkable milestone with the coveted spot, he said that the recognition brings a “big honour for the years of consistency” for him. He said that this achievement isn’t his alone. “This is not just my journey of 41 years of consistency. This belongs to every mother, every teacher, every sister, every hand that believed, and every plate that carried a story forward,” he said in the Instagram post.
“I have no words to fully express my gratitude for being named among TIME’s Most Influential People of 2026. What a moment—for Indian cuisine, for our culture, for every story that began in a humble kitchen,” he said, shifting the focus from himself to the larger journey of Indian food and tradition on the global stage.
The chef also recalled his days of struggle and said that who would have imagined that a boy who used to roll breads at Golden Temple would lead to the biggest platform in the World
“Who would have imagined that a boy from the narrow lanes of Amritsar—who struggled to run with other kids, who knew that rolling breads at Golden Temple would lead to the biggest platform in the World, who chose cooking as an act of rebellion, who once sold chole bhature as a small dream—would one day find his name among the world’s most influential voices,” he added.
Khanna also took a moment to thank chef Eric Ripert, who wrote his introduction for the magazine, and his family, calling them his “first family” in the United States—a reminder of the relationships that shaped his path along the way.
While speaking to news agency ANI, Khanna expressed much gratitude and pride.
“I feel more for all the people who have stood by me all these decades. This is a big achievement for both our Indian culture and cuisine. I believe this will help volumise our voices in Indian cuisine,” Khanna said.
He spoke about how the recognition brings a “big honour for the years of consistency” for him.
“Even if people don’t show up, I believe Indian food is the game,” Vikas Khanna added.
As the recognition sparked a wave of joy for proud Indians, Khanna received one of the first greetings from Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
A retired pastor who took up exercise late now trains twice a week, lifting weights and following a steady routine
Rudolf Goetz is 100 years old and regularly works out at a gym in Fuerstenwalde, a town east of Berlin in Germany.
He only began going to the gym in his nineties, after noticing a flyer for the facility. Before that, he had no background in fitness and had worked as a pastor, the South China Morning Daily reported.
When he first started, it wasn’t easy. “I felt weak,” he says. “My legs just wouldn’t cooperate.” Over time, though, things improved.
Now, he trains twice a week and follows a consistent routine that lasts about an hour. During his sessions, he uses machines like the ab trainer and lifts weights. He is able to push around 40 kilograms on the leg press, something his trainer, Marc Baldow, says many people in their 50s or 60s would struggle with.
Goetz goes through his exercises quietly and without drawing attention. Despite his age, he maintains a steady pace throughout his workout.
He also keeps things simple when it comes to preparation. He does not always change into gym clothes before starting and often begins exercising in whatever he is wearing, including a pullover or a dress shirt.
He says he currently has no major health problems and no artificial joints, although his blood pressure is slightly low.
At the gym, he is known as “Rudi” and is the oldest member. His story has been described as “incredible” in local media, but he does not treat it as anything unusual.
He continues to attend the gym regularly and sticks to his twice-weekly schedule.
Goetz’s routine focuses on maintaining strength. His workouts include both upper and lower body exercises using machines, and he repeats them consistently during each visit.
He does not follow an elaborate fitness plan or make any changes to his approach based on attention or recognition. His sessions remain the same, focused on completing the exercises he has been doing since he started.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said there will be no compromise on the rights, dignity and social security of workers, and warned of strict legal action against any violations.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said there will be no compromise on the rights, dignity and social security of workers, and warned of strict legal action against any violations.
Chairing a review of the state’s industrial situation via video conferencing, the chief minister directed officials to ensure that every worker receives dignified working conditions, timely payment of full wages and all statutory benefits, an official statement issued here said.
Taking serious note of a workers’ uproar in Gautam Buddh Nagar, Adityanath instructed authorities to identify and take stringent action against non-worker elements found instigating unrest or disrupting “industrial harmony.” He also directed that such elements be exposed and, if necessary, their photographs displayed in public places.
The chief minister emphasised a “zero tolerance” policy against organisations or individuals inciting workers, spreading rumours or engaging in misinformation campaigns.
He ordered continuous monitoring of social media platforms and swift legal action against those found spreading false information or propaganda. The chief minister’s remarks come against the backdrop of widespread workers’ demonstrations in Noida on Monday.
Several vehicles, including police SUVs, were torched, public property vandalised and stone pelting reported from across factory hubs in the district.
In light of the row, Adityanath directed an in-depth probe into all such agencies across the state under the supervision of the Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner and the Labour Department.
He said the investigation should verify the actual number of workers, payments received from industrial units, wages disbursed to workers, and compliance with provisions such as ESI, insurance and other benefits.
The chief minister instructed that all industrial units — both government and private — must establish effective grievance redressal cells to ensure transparent and time-bound resolution of workers’ complaints. He also called for improved workplace facilities, including quality mess arrangements.
Adityanath directed industry development authorities to prepare a plan for constructing dormitories and affordable housing schemes for workers in industrial areas. He said development authorities must go beyond revenue generation and fulfil their social responsibilities.
The chief minister also stressed coordination with banks to ensure insurance coverage for workers, particularly in cases of accidents or untimely death, wherever wages are being transferred directly to bank accounts.
He called for priority attention to workers’ children’s education, healthcare services and medical insurance.
Adityanath directed authorities to maintain regular dialogue with entrepreneurs and industrial unit managements, while ensuring that only genuine workers are engaged in discussions.
He also asked police and administrative officials to remain vigilant to prevent disruptive elements from entering industrial premises under the guise of workers.
Police sources confirmed that both corporators were summoned and questioned for nearly four and a half hours.
Congress councillor Rubina Iqbal refused to sing Vande Mataram. (File)
A First Information Report (FIR) against two Congress corporators over their alleged refusal to sing “Vande Mataram” inside the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) building has triggered a political storm in Indore, with the BJP and the Congress attacking each other over the issue.
The FIR, lodged at MG Road Police Station under Section 196(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, accuses Congress corporators Rubina Iqbal Khan and Fauzia Sheikh Aleem of promoting enmity and disturbing communal harmony. The FIR was filed based on a complaint by BJP corporator and IMC chief whip Kamal Baghela, backed by viral videos of the dramatic scenes that unfolded during the April 8 budget session.
Police sources confirmed that both corporators were summoned and questioned for nearly four and a half hours. Additional DCP Ramsanehi Mishra stated that the FIR was registered after examining statements and digital evidence, adding that the alleged act had the potential to hurt sentiments and create disharmony. If proven guilty, both leaders could face jail terms ranging from three to five years.
The alleged incident took place during the budget discussion in the local assembly. BJP corporators raised objections over Fauzia Sheikh Aleem allegedly arriving late to avoid singing ‘Vande Mataram’. Pressed to sing, Aleem instead questioned the legal basis for making it mandatory and walked out of the House.
Moments later, the situation escalated further when Rubina Iqbal Khan refused to sing and allegedly made provocative remarks during the uproar. The House descended into pandemonium, forcing the presiding officer to intervene.
Both corporators defended their stand outside the House. Rubina Iqbal Khan cited religious grounds, stating that singing the national song was not permissible in Islam, though she later expressed regret over her remarks. Fauzia Sheikh Aleem argued that the Constitution guarantees her freedom of religion and expression and that no one can be compelled to sing.
She also alleged that the issue was deliberately raised to derail discussion on civic crises, including the contaminated water supply that had led to multiple deaths in the city.
The controversy quickly snowballed into a larger political battle. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav challenged the Congress leadership to clarify its stand on Vande Mataram, while state Congress chief Jitu Patwari accused the BJP of manufacturing the issue to avoid accountability for governance failures.
India was a key beneficiary of the sanctions waivers, which attracted significant criticism by US politicians.
Workers on a tugboat guide the Russian oil tanker Anatoly Kolodkin as it arrives at the oil terminal in the port of Matanzas, northwestern Cuba, on March 31, 2026. (AFP)
Washington will not extend sanctions waivers allowing countries to purchase Russian and Iranian energy, US treasury secretary Scott Bessent announced on Wednesday. India was a key beneficiary of the sanctions waivers, which attracted significant criticism by US politicians for enriching loosening financial pressure on Moscow and Tehran.
“We will not be renewing the general license on Russian oil and we will not be renewing the general license on Iranian oil. That was oil that was on the water prior to March 11. So all that has been used,” said Bessent at a press conference.
What was the 30-day waiver?
On March 12, the US Treasury announced that a temporary, 30-day waiver had been issued allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian energy that had already been loaded onto tankers.
“To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil. This deliberately short-term measure will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government as it only authorizes transactions involving oil already stranded at sea,” said Bessent in a statement announcing the waiver. Washington justified the waiver as a necessary measure to stabilise global energy prices, especially crude oil which surged above $100 a barrel due to the outbreak of the US-Iran conflict in late February.
Washington later announced another 30-day license allowing countries to purchase Iranian oil. While the Russian oil waiver expired on April 11, the Iranian oil waiver will expire on April 19.
Push for extension of waivers
The US Treasury’s decision came despite numerous reports that officials from Asian nations, including India, were pushing Washington to extend the sanctions waivers.
India was a key beneficiary of the sanctions waivers. According to reports citing government officials, India placed orders for roughly 30 million barrels of oil from Russia after the sanctions waiver was put into effect.
Indian refiners like Reliance had previously wound down their purchases from Russian suppliers like Rosneft and Lukoil due to US sanctions against these energy majors.
Criticism for waivers
However, the sanctions waivers attracted significant criticism, particularly from the opposition Democratic party.
“No way the Russia sanctions waiver should be extended. Trump’s waiver has handed Russia an extra $150 billion a day to fuel its murderous war machine killing & kidnapping Ukrainian kids—while it aids Iran with intelligence to target our troops,” said US Senator Richard Blumenthal in a post on X on April 10.
Three more Democratic senators – including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer – also called for the Trump administration to reverse the “dangerous” sanctions waiver policy.
“In addition to flouting notification requirements to Congress under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act before relaxing sanctions on the Kremlin, Secretary Bessent characterized the license as a temporary and ‘short term’ measure that would not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government,” the senators said in a joint statement.
Eight pilgrims died and 25 were injured when a mini-bus overturned in Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, while returning from the Baisakhi Mela.
Six passengers died on the spot when after a mini-bus overturned in the Bassi Pathana area of Fatehgarh Sahib on Thursday. Two others succumbed to their injuries during treatment.
At least eight pilgrims were killed and 25 others sustained injuries after a mini-bus overturned in the Bassi Pathana area of Fatehgarh Sahib, police said on Wednesday.
“The victims were returning from Anandpur Sahib after paying obeisance during the Baisakhi Mela when the accident occurred around 10.30pm on the Chunni-Morinda road on Tuesday night,” they added. The tragedy occurred just a few kilometres before Main Majri village, where most of the victims resided.
The police have identified the deceased as driver Iqbal Singh, Ranjit Kaur, Jagvinder Singh, Lakhvir Singh, Harvir Singh, Pradeep Kaur, Kulwinder Singh and Harchand Singh.
The vehicle was carrying nearly 40 passengers, including children, indicating possible overloading. Preliminary reports suggest the driver lost control of the bus, which subsequently crashed into an electric pole and overturned. “Prima facie, it appears that the vehicle developed a malfunction,” said Fatehgarh Sahib SSP Shubam Aggarwal. While the exact cause is under investigation, survivors told police that a broken axle—the shaft supporting the vehicle’s weight—might have triggered the crash. Following the accident, several locals rushed to the spot and assisted in rescue operations.
An injured woman said the bus suddenly overturned when it was about to reach Main Majri village. Bassi Pathana MLA Rupinder Singh said the devotees hailed from Main Majri village.
“There is no indication of foul play. We are waiting for the forensic and mechanical reports,” said the SSP. On possibility of overloading, he said the police are probing the matter.
Six passengers died on the spot, while two others succumbed to their injuries during treatment. The injured were rushed to government hospitals in Fatehgarh Sahib, with several critically wounded victims referred to the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.
At least 12 injured individuals were admitted with multiple trauma, including maxillofacial injuries and fractures of the limbs, said the PGIMER statement issued on Wednesday evening.
“All those brought to PGIMER, even in the most critical condition, have been promptly attended to with comprehensive multidisciplinary care and have been successfully stabilised,” the statement added.
Bassi Pathana MLA Rupinder Singh, who reached the spot on Tuesday night, said all devotees hailed from Main Majri village.
The techie expressed gratitude toward TCS for providing a strong foundation, but admitted that staying in a comfort zone may have held him back.
Gurung shared that he began his journey at TCS. (Instagram/@saileshgurung97)
A Microsoft techie has sparked discussion online after sharing how staying too long in one company slowed his salary growth. In a video shared on Instagram, Sailesh Gurung said, “The biggest mistake that delayed my salary growth by four years was loyalty,” reflecting on his early career decisions.
Gurung shared that he began his journey at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), where he spent nearly 4 years. During this period, he said he worked hard, stayed consistent, and trusted that growth would follow.
However, the outcomes did not match expectations. “The hikes were small, the growth was slow,” he said, adding that the experience led him to realise that “loyalty does not increase your salary”.
In the caption, Gurgun expressed gratitude toward TCS for providing a strong foundation, discipline, and early career skills, but he admitted that staying in a comfort zone may have held him back.
“For the longest time, I thought staying longer automatically meant growing more,” he wrote in the caption, adding that the real problem was not necessarily the company, but comfort. “The real shift happened when I started investing more intentionally in my growth, built the right skills, and finally stepped outside what felt safe,” Gurung said.
“That one decision changed everything: TCS – Deloitte – Microsoft. This journey taught me that growth is not always about leaving. It’s about recognizing when you have outgrown the version of yourself that feels comfortable,” he added.
HT.com has reached out to Sailesh Gurung. The article will be updated once a response is received.
It has been observed that a considerable number of such mismatches are associated with FASTags issued prior to their issuance with the VAHAN database.
People register for FASTag at a Taswade toll plaza on the Pune-Bangalore national highway, in Karad on February 17. (PTI Photo)
State-owned NHAI on Wednesday said it has issued directions to all FASTag issuer banks to undertake immediate validation of vehicle registration numbers to enhance the accuracy and reliability of data in the electronic toll collection system.
NHAI, in a statement, said the decision follows receipt of complaints regarding instances where the VRN (vehicle registration number) captured by FASTag readers does not match the actual registration number displayed on the vehicle number plate.
Such discrepancies have the potential to undermine enforcement mechanisms and may lead to revenue evasion and also attract other penal provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it added.
It has been observed that a considerable number of such mismatches are associated with FASTags issued prior to their issuance with the VAHAN database, the statement said.
During that period, validation mechanisms were relatively limited and relied more on manual processes, leading to potential inconsistencies in vehicle identification records, it noted.
NHAI said it has emphasised that ensuring the correctness of VRN mapping with FASTag is of critical importance, especially in view of upcoming technology-driven initiatives such as Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling.
A viral video showing a woman allegedly finding a dead mouse inside a canned Starbucks Double Shot Energy drink has sparked outrage and scepticism online. While many viewers expressed disgust and raised safety concerns, others questioned the clip’s authenticity, accusing the creator of staging the incident for attention. No official confirmation or verified legal action has been reported so far
A disturbing viral video circulating across social media platforms has left viewers shocked and divided, after a woman claimed she discovered a dead mouse inside a canned Starbucks Double Shot Energy drink.
Originally shared on Reddit, the clip quickly spread to X and other platforms, triggering intense debate over food safety, product contamination, and the authenticity of viral content.
Woman cuts open can after suspecting something inside
In the video, the woman explains that she felt something unusual inside her unopened canned coffee. Curious and concerned, she decided to cut the aluminium can open rather than discard it.
After slicing through the container, she appeared surprised by the size of an object stuck inside. While attempting to show it on camera, she drained the remaining mocha-coloured liquid, and moments later, a small dark object slid out.
NEW – Starbucks is now receiving massive backlash online after a woman discovered a fully intact mouse inside her can of Double Shot Energy, which she says she plans to sue over. pic.twitter.com/RzzWNVpQzX
— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) April 13, 2026
The footage shows what appears to be a dead mouse covered in coffee, prompting immediate shock reactions and audible gagging from people present during the recording.
Social media reacts with disgust and safety concerns
The clip rapidly gained traction online, with thousands of users expressing disgust and questioning the safety of canned beverages.
Many viewers said the incident made them reconsider packaged drinks altogether, while others raised broader concerns about quality control in large-scale food production. Some commenters argued that weakened regulatory oversight could increase the risk of contamination incidents.
NEW – Starbucks is now receiving massive backlash online after a woman discovered a fully intact mouse inside her can of Double Shot Energy, which she says she plans to sue over. pic.twitter.com/RzzWNVpQzX
— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) April 13, 2026
The video’s viral spread has amplified conversations about consumer trust, food manufacturing standards, and how quickly alarming claims can influence public perception.
Claims of legal action remain unverified
A reposted version of the video alleged that the woman planned to take legal action against the company. However, no official confirmation of a lawsuit or verified complaint has surfaced so far.
As of now, there has been no publicly confirmed investigation connected to the viral claim.
@grok Can you explain why companies aren’t taking steps to verify contents of their products before shipping them? It seems like it would be easy with AI, lasers, etc.
Not everyone is convinced the footage is genuine. Several online users have pointed out inconsistencies, suggesting the video could be staged.
Critics argue that a rodent trapped inside a sealed beverage for weeks would likely show visible signs of decomposition. Others questioned why the can appeared manually opened, speculating that the object may have been inserted afterward.
The debate highlights how viral videos often blur the line between real consumer concerns and internet hoaxes.
NEW – Starbucks is now receiving massive backlash online after a woman discovered a fully intact mouse inside her can of Double Shot Energy, which she says she plans to sue over. pic.twitter.com/RzzWNVpQzX
— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) April 13, 2026
NEW – Starbucks is now receiving massive backlash online after a woman discovered a fully intact mouse inside her can of Double Shot Energy, which she says she plans to sue over. pic.twitter.com/RzzWNVpQzX
— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) April 13, 2026
Infosys reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on workplace harassment after the TCS Nashik sexual assault and conversion case intensified scrutiny of employee safety. This followed now-deleted social media allegations of misconduct at its Pune BPM unit. Infosys said it has strong policies and independent inquiry mechanisms. TCS has also launched an internal probe after multiple FIRs and arrests.
Tech Giant In Trouble? After TCS Nashik Conversion Case, Infosys Caught Up In Harassment Allegations In Pune | File Pic
Infosys has reiterated its stance of zero tolerance for workplace harassment after the TCS Nashik sexual assault and conversion case put a spotlight on employee safety. This comes after posts on social media alleging misconduct at its Pune BPM unit, which have attracted attention.
The post, which was doing the rounds on the internet and has now been deleted from X, alleged harassment against women employees at Infosys’ Pune BPM facility. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was tagged in it, as was the official account of Infosys BPM. Minister Nitesh Rane acknowledged the post and wrote “noted” in response to the now-deleted post on X.
In a statement, Infosys told Moneycontrol that it is aware of some social media posts claiming that women employees at its BPM facility in Pune are facing harassment. The company said it maintains a zero-tolerance approach to any and all forms of harassment or discrimination and is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, positive, and respectful workplace in all jurisdictions in which it operates.
“The company has well-established policies and robust mechanisms in place to address any concerns, in line with applicable laws. Any issue that is reported is treated seriously and investigated by an independent committee, as per its processes. In addition, there are proactive multi-channel preventive programs, including a ‘speak-up’ culture that encourages employees to report concerns. Infosys remains committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and workplace conduct, aligned with its code of conduct.”
PM Modi inaugurates Delhi-Dehradun Expressway connecting three states, travel time reduced to 2.5 hours.
The green corridor includes a 12-kilometre elevated stretch and multiple underpasses, allowing the road to pass above key wildlife movement routes rather than cutting through them.
Giving a major boost to travel between Delhi and Uttarakhand is here as the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (April 14) inaugrated the 210 km-long highway that is expected to reduce travel time from over 6 hours to just 2.5 hours. Built for Rs 11,868 crore, the expressway will also shorten the distance between Delhi and Dehradun from 235 km to 210 km. Designed for speeds of up to 100 kmph, the highway promises smoother and faster journeys for commuters, tourists and pilgrims.
Before the launch, the Prime Minister held a road show in Saharanpur and also visited the Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun, where he offered prayers.
The project also improves connectivity to Haridwar through a dedicated spur, making travel easier for those heading to Char Dham routes. Key stretches pass through Uttar Pradesh districts like Baghpat, Shamli, Muzaffarnagar and Saharanpur before entering Uttarakhand.
#WATCH | Dehradun, Uttarakhand: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor.
The corridor will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over 6 hours to around 2.5 hours. It has been designed with several features aimed at significantly… pic.twitter.com/JZj6J4UUbT
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: Wildlife Corridor and Key Features
One of the standout features of the expressway is its eco-friendly design. A 20 km stretch passing through forest areas includes a 10.97 km-long animal underpass, one of the largest in Asia. This elevated corridor allows animals to move safely across habitats, even accommodating large species like elephants.
The stretch runs through the Rajaji National Park and includes the 340 metre Daat Kali tunnel. Authorities say special measures like sound and light barriers have been installed to reduce disturbance to wildlife.
#WATCH | Uttarakhand: The Dehradun–Delhi Expressway, which is set to be inaugurated tomorrow by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has an estimated total cost of around Rs 12,000 to Rs 13,000 crore.
The project also features Asia’s longest elevated wildlife corridor, spanning… pic.twitter.com/TZx8WYyQep
Built as a six-lane expressway, the corridor is designed to significantly reduce congestion on existing routes while ensuring a more comfortable driving experience for commuters, tourists and long-distance travellers.
Modern Highway with Advanced Safety and Connectivity
The corridor is equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to monitor traffic in real time and improve road safety. It features multiple interchanges, railway overbridges, major bridges and several wayside amenities to support travellers during long journeys. With more than 100 underpasses and multiple connectivity points, the expressway is also linked to major highways including the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, enabling seamless inter-state movement and better regional connectivity.
The win is surely for the entire Tisza Party, but the one leader that is stealing the most limelight is Zsolt Hegedus– all thanks to his energetic victory dance! The Tisza Party finally defeated longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, ending his 16-year rule.
Tisza Party’s landslide win against longtime Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the recent Parliamentary elections was surely a reason to celebrate– which is exactly what the winning party and its supporters did; however, the one person who ended up stealing the most spotlight for his rather energetic victory celebration was Hungarian leader Zsolt Hegedüs! Tisza Party’s Peter Magyar finally won the elections and defeated Orbán after a 16-year-long rule, which was followed by a speech by Magyar in Budapest. However, the moment that won everyone over was Hegedüs’ on-stage victory dance!
A video of Hegedüs breaking into all kinds of hip-hop moves while his victory celebration is going insanely viral on social media. The clip showed the rest of the leaders dancing behind him; Hegedüs’ energy, however, was evidently on another level.
Reportedly, the Tisza Party had secured 138 seats out of 199– on 53.6 percent of the vote– with 97.35 percent of precincts counted. As per Magyar, Orbán had called him up to congratulate for the win.
Check out the viral post:
“Celebrations erupted across Hungary as the Tisza party ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule, but it was Zsolt Hegedus’s victory dance on stage that stole the spotlight. As supporters filled the streets of Budapest, the clip of his celebration quickly went viral, capturing the mood of a dramatic election night and a moment of political change,” the post read.
The post was shared on Instagram by the handle ‘Times Now’. It was shared today and pulled many views from people.
Internet’s reactions:
“And if you are wondering how our previous health secretary looks like a joke on you. We didn’t have one. The same goes for the secretary of education,” a user said. “I am loving it,” commented the next person.
“I love when politicians act more like humans and do such things,” added another internet user. “Zsolt Hegedűs, Hungary’s future health secretary, is a great dancer. Chuck Berry would be proud of him,” added another.
Zoho responds to anonymous allegations of mass layoffs, clarifying its 2026 internship conversion rates and hiring policies.
‘Factually Incorrect’: Zoho Responds To Viral Claim Of 300 Employees Being Laid Off
Indian multinational tech giant Zoho has officially addressed an anonymous post that went viral on the professional networking app Blind, which claimed the company had “silently” laid off 300 employees without notice. The allegation caused an immediate stir, as Zoho is well-known for its strict “no layoffs” policy maintained over three decades, even during the 2023 tech downturn and the rapid rise of AI.
The anonymous user, who claimed to be one of the 300 affected individuals, expressed deep disappointment in the post, stating they had chosen Zoho over offers from companies like TCS and Capgemini for its promised stability. “This situation has hit me hard,” the user wrote, citing a financially struggling background and family dependence on the role.
Zoho Clarifies: Interns, Not Employees
In a statement provided to HT.com, Zoho clarified that the viral claims stem from a misunderstanding of the company’s internship structure versus full-time employment.
Mohammed Sohail, Associate Director of Talent Acquisition and Global HR Operations at Zoho Corp, told HT.com that describing interns who did not receive full-time offers as “laid off” is “factually incorrect.”
“The post in question appears to conflate our internship programme with employment,” Sohail told HT.com. “These are distinct: internships are learning engagements that do not automatically guarantee a full-time role.”
Sohail further explained to HT.com that for the 2026 intern cohort, more than 30% of candidates have already either received full-time offers or are currently being evaluated for permanent positions. This is independent of the freshers who have been hired and will join as full-time staff upon the completion of their academic courses.
Upon his return, Nirav Modi is expected to face expedited trial proceedings in connection with the fraud case.
Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi (File image)
In a significant development in one of India’s most high-profile economic fugitive cases, fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi could be brought back to India soon, with top government sources indicating that the extradition process has entered its final phase. Sources told CNN-News18 exclusively, teams from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are already in London to facilitate the process, suggesting that operational steps to bring Modi back are underway.
Sources said that most major legal hurdles in the United Kingdom have been effectively exhausted, clearing the way for his return. The deployment of CBI teams to London is being seen as a sign that the process has moved beyond legal proceedings into its final execution stage.
Nirav Modi, who is accused in the multi-billion dollar fraud involving Punjab National Bank, has been at the centre of India’s efforts to bring back economic offenders who fled the country.
If completed, the extradition would mark a major breakthrough for the government, reflecting what officials describe as a stronger track record in pursuing fugitives abroad through sustained legal and diplomatic efforts. Upon his return, Nirav Modi is expected to face expedited trial proceedings in connection with the fraud case.
F404-IN20 engines intended for the Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets delayed, only six of the 99 ordered engines have been delivered
AI generated for representation
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has imposed contractual penalties (liquidated damages) on GE Aerospace for delayed deliveries of F404-IN20 engines intended for the Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets. Only six of the 99 ordered engines have been delivered, said reports.
While the exact total penalty has not been officially disclosed, defence ministry norms generally cap such damages at 10% of the total contract value, according to the Times of India and India Today.
The timeline of delays and penalties
February 2021: The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 48,000-crore deal with HAL for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets.
August 2021: HAL signed a $716 million contract with GE Aerospace for 99 F404-IN20 engines.
March 2023: Original scheduled start for engine deliveries.
March 2024: The original deadline for delivering the first Tejas Mk-1A aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) was missed due to the lack of engines.
March 2025: GE Aerospace delivered the first engine, nearly two years behind the initial schedule.
November 2025: Despite ongoing delays, HAL signed a second, larger contract worth approximately $1 billion for 113 more F404 engines for a future batch of 97 jets.
April 2026: HAL confirmed it is actively invoking penalty clauses for every delayed engine delivery.
Only 6 out of 99 engines from the first order have been delivered so far. GE Aerospace committed to delivering 20 engines by the end of 2026 to help stabilise the production line, said reports.
“GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are pleased to announce significant progress regarding F414 co-production today, having reached agreement on technical matters. This agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening economic growth and advancing… pic.twitter.com/trvQStmyCc
Penalties are applied as liquidated damages deducted from payments for each engine delivered beyond its stipulated schedule.
Contractual penalties are typically limited to 10% of the contract’s total value ($71.6 million for the first $716 million deal).
The delay has stalled the production of approximately 20 airframes that are structurally complete but remain grounded without powerplants.
Why the delay?
GE Aerospace has attributed the missed deadlines to global supply chain disruptions, component shortages, and challenges in restarting the F404 production line after a long gap. Some reports also suggest that geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East have impacted logistical routes.
What next? New facility; agreement on technical matters
US defence major GE Aerospace on Monday announced firming up of a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to set up a maintenance facility for its F404-IN20 jet engines which are powering India’s Tejas light combat aircraft fleet. The facility will be established by the IAF with technical inputs from GE Aerospace and is expected to help India’s indigenous defence sustainment effort, the company said.
Once operational, the facility will eliminate the need to depend on the overseas repair centres, significantly improving turnaround times, it said.
“GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are pleased to announce significant progress regarding F414 co-production today, having reached agreement on technical matters. This agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening economic growth and advancing cooperation for both India and the U.S. and expands the 40-year partnership between GE Aerospace and HAL,” GE Aerospace spokesperson told ANI, ahead of the contract expected later this year.
Sources said seat allocation will be based on proportional representation. The 2011 Census is being used as the reference point
Sources said the Delimitation Bill does not specify an exact seat count or a fixed percentage. (Image for representation: IMAGEN 4 ENGINE)
The latest Delimitation Bill will likely benefit the southern states due to a seat allocation formula, which will be based on proportional representation.
According to top government sources on the Delimitation Bill, the final number of seats will be determined by the Delimitation Commission.
The sources said the bill does not specify an exact seat count or a fixed percentage (such as 50 percent). The figure of 850 represents only the upper limit for the total number of Lok Sabha seats.
They said seat allocation will be based on proportional representation, which will likely benefit the southern states. The 2011 Census is being used as the reference point.
After his call with Jaishankar, Sa’ar said Iran’s action harming freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz requires “action”.
Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addresses an inaugural session of the 9th Indian Ocean Conference alongside, in Mauritius. (@DrSJaishankar)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday spoke to his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar and discussed various aspects of the West Asia crisis amid a US naval blockade of Iran’s ports.
The external affairs minister also held a phone conversation with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and exchanged views on the situation arising out of the war between Iran and the US-Israel combine.
After his call with Jaishankar, Sa’ar said Iran’s action harming freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz requires “action”.
“Had a telecon this afternoon with Israel FM @gidonsaar. Our discussion covered different aspects of the West Asia situation,” Jaishankar said on social media.
The phone conversation between the two foreign ministers came amid reports of efforts by the US and Iran to hold a fresh round of negotiations after the collapse of the initial dialogue in Islamabad.
“We discussed Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon. I said that the firm American stance in the negotiations on conditions that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is critical for the entire international community,” the Israeli foreign minister said.
He pressed for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for all countries, including India.
President Murmu also urged all sections of society to prioritise learning, especially for marginalised communities.
President Droupadi Murmu addresses the Samajik Samrasta Mahotsava on the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar at Lok Bhavan, in Gandhinagar. (Rashtrapati Bhavan/Via PTI)
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday urged citizens to rise above divisions of caste, class, language, and region to build a harmonious society, asserting that no individual should live with the “mentality of the exploited or the deprived.”
Addressing the ‘Samajik Samrasta Mahotsav’ at Lok Bhavan to mark the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, Murmu emphasised the need for collective progress. Babasaheb’s contributions as a legal expert, economist, and social reformer are widely discussed. However, citizens must also understand his multidimensional role as a nation-builder in fields like banking, irrigation, labour management, and revenue-sharing between the Centre and states, she said.
Invoking Ambedkar’s clarion call to “Get educated,” the President also urged all sections of society to prioritise learning, especially for marginalised communities.
“It is the responsibility of all of us to encourage people from deprived sections in every village and town to pursue education. Through comprehensive and moral education, the spirit of harmony is strengthened,” she said.
“Rising above all divisions of caste, class, language and region, and remaining united without discrimination — that is the practical form of harmony. All children of Mother India are one, unified in spirit, of one essence, and harmonious,” she added.
Drawing on personal anecdotes, the President spoke about the transition from state support to self-reliance. “My father used to say that someone will support a child only until the child learns to walk. Once they have learned to walk, they must run on their own and make efforts to move forward,” she said, noting that while the government provides support in health, education, and agriculture, individuals must eventually run on their own.
“Rising above all divisions of caste, class, language and region, and remaining united without discrimination — that is the practical form of harmony. All children of Mother India are one, unified in spirit, of one essence, and harmonious,” she added.
Drawing on personal anecdotes, the President spoke about the transition from state support to self-reliance. “My father used to say that someone will support a child only until the child learns to walk. Once they have learned to walk, they must run on their own and make efforts to move forward,” she said, noting that while the government provides support in health, education, and agriculture, individuals must eventually run on their own.
President Murmu highlighted that the “soul of the country lives in its villages,” noting that despite caste differences, rural areas often exhibit deep mutual affection. “The path to building a harmonious Indian society passes through harmonious villages,” she added.
Even as it moved to address the workers’ core demand, UP’s BJP government alleged conspiracy behind the stir, invoking Pakistan, Naxalism, “anti-nationals”
Heavy police deployment in Noida’s Phase 2 industrial area after workers’ protest over wage hike demands turned violent. (HT Photo)
The Uttar Pradesh government announced an interim minimum-wage hike of around 21% for factory workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad on Tuesday, following days of escalating protests in Noida’s industrial belt that left dozens of vehicles torched, over 350 people arrested, and at least five police personnel injured. But even as it moved to address the workers’ core demand, the state government alleged a conspiracy behind the stir — invoking Pakistan, Naxalism, and “anti-national forces”.
The protests, which began on April 10 at the Hosiery Complex in Noida’s Phase 2, had been building for months. Workers earning between ₹11,000 and ₹15,000 a month — among the lowest wages in the National Capital Region — watched neighbouring Haryana raise its minimum wage by 35% in the first week of April, from ₹14,000 to ₹19,000. Workers doing comparable work just across the state border wanted the same, hence the central demand was a minimum monthly wage of ₹20,000.
The trigger at one of the units was a wage hike notice of just ₹340–360 a month. Some of the workforce went on strike by April 10, and by Monday, April 13, over 40,000 workers had flooded the streets across more than 80 locations in Noida’s industrial zones, police officials said. Vehicles were set on fire, and police deployed tear gas.
VIDEO | Noida Workers Protest: Gautam Buddha Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh says, “Yesterday in the district, more than 42,000 workers came out on the streets at 83 locations. Only at two places did the protests turn violent, where the police used minimal force to bring… pic.twitter.com/vYxrnSJBFr
Workers spoke of systematic underpayment and work-hour abuse.
Tularam, a garment factory worker in Phase 2 who said he’s been in the industry for five years, said his salary had risen just ₹2,000 in that time, to ₹13,000. “My salary gets exhausted by the 10th of every month,” he said, “The government is not paying us. We are paid by the factory owners, who are offering us pennies for our hard work.”
Mohini Pal, 27, who works at an export company in Sector 57, said she earns ₹10,275 a month and does overtime for which she is not paid. “Factory owners are exploiting us,” she said, adding that ₹1,350 is deducted from her salary if she takes a single day off.
Sangeeta, another worker, described production targets so punishing that workers could not step away from machines to drink water or use the washroom.
#WATCH | Laxmi, one of the protesters, says, “I work at Motherson. They are paying us less salary. We want more. When we staged a sit-in protest, they beat us up with no fault of ours. Cylinders, vegetables and everything are expensive…We were beaten up when we protested today.… https://t.co/Vrlihfk4bTpic.twitter.com/Bv4h86o0cp
Rambha Devi claimed she was paid for only 21 hours of overtime despite completing 115 hours, and that ₹2,739 was withheld from her salary as punishment for participating in the strike.
“We can’t even buy a bicycle, and these guys buy BMWs and Mercedes every month,” said another worker.
Government responds
On Tuesday, a high-level committee constituted by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of the BJP government raised interim wages. Unskilled workers will now earn ₹13,690 instead of ₹11,313; semi-skilled workers ₹15,059 instead of ₹12,445; and skilled workers ₹16,868 instead of ₹13,940. The hike is effective from April 1.
Workers called it insufficient, still short of their ₹20,000 demand for even the skilled category. Protests therefore continued on Tuesday.
Before the wage hike, in a statement after a late-night review meeting in Lucknow on Sunday, Yogi Adityanath said, “Naxalism in the country is now nearly finished, but attempts to revive it could be part of a larger conspiracy. There is a possibility that misleading and disruptive elements were involved in some recent protests.”
He ordered authorities to identify anyone “posing as labour representatives”.
Labour minister Anil Rajbhar went further and cited the recent arrest of four suspects in Noida and Meerut with alleged links to handlers in Pakistan. He said the protests appeared to have been planned to “destabilise the state”.
Police said social media accounts, and WhatsApp groups, had been created in the preceding days to “mislead” protesters. FIRs have been registered against two X handles, with over 50 suspected “bot accounts” identified.
From the Opposition bloc, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, however, said, “Before defaming the workers’ movement by linking it to Naxalism, the government must explain what it has done in the last 10 years that such conditions have emerged. If you cannot heal the wounds of workers, at least do not rub salt into them.”
He also jibed whether the state’s intelligence apparatus had been occupied campaigning in West Bengal, where elections are being held, “rather than monitoring Noida”.
PM Modi and President Trump held a 40-minute phone conversation, says Sergio Gor, US ambassador to India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump held a 40-minute phone conversation on Tuesday, April 14, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said. This is the third phone call between the two leaders this year, and the second since conflict broke out in West Asia after the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran on February 28.
They spoke on February 2 to announce progress in a trade deal, and then on March 24 to discuss situation in West Asia; plus a third time now.
The war is currently in a stalemate after talks held in Pakistan capital Islamabad produced no result last weekend. Both sides are since sticking to their guns as a precarious truce, set for until April 22, holds for now.
US ambassador also said that during the phone call, Trump briefed PM Modi on the situation in West Asia, including the US blockade of Iranian ports. He also said that some big-ticket deals are expected between the US and India, including in energy
What Modi said on conversation with Trump
PM Modi also took to X and revealed that in his call with Trump, they reviewed the progress of achieving bilateral cooperation in various sectors. “We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas,” PM wrote.
Received a call from my friend President Donald Trump. We reviewed the substantial progress achieved in our bilateral cooperation in various sectors. We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas. We also discussed the…
PM Modi also said that they discussed the situation in West Asia and “stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure.”
Earlier, in the first phone call since the conflict, PM Modi backed the restoration of peace in West Asia at the earliest and talked about ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and secure. Posting about his conversation, PM had said he had received a call from Trump and had a “useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia”.
“India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world.”
Crucial timing
The recent phone call comes at a time when face-to-face talks between Iran and the US were held over the weekend after 47 years, but failed to yield positive results. Meanwhile, Trump announced the US has begun a blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas, prompting Tehran to threaten ports across the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Delhi government has cleared a 4.72-km flood protection wall along the Yamuna River, targeting one of the city’s most flood-prone stretches.
Officials say the wall is expected to reduce overflow into nearby areas.
Delhi government has cleared a 4.72-km flood protection wall along the Yamuna River, targeting one of the city’s most flood-prone stretches. The wall will come up from Majnu Ka Tila to the Old Railway Bridge along the Ring Road.
“Repeated Flooding Behind Decision”
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the move follows years of flooding. “The decision is rooted in the city’s repeated experience with severe flooding,” she said, adding that the project aims to move beyond temporary measures.
Why This Stretch Matters
Low lying areas such as Civil Lines, Kashmere Gate, Yamuna Bazaar and Majnu Ka Tila are among the worst affected when water levels rise. Floodwaters have often spilled onto the Ring Road here, disrupting traffic and daily life.
2023 Floods Put Spotlight On Risk
The urgency comes after the 2023 floods, when the Yamuna touched a record 208.66 metres, surpassing the 1978 peak and inundating large parts of the city. In 2025, the river again crossed the danger mark, reaching 207.48 metres, pointing to a recurring pattern.
Expert Study Flags Vulnerability
The plan follows recommendations from a Joint Flood Committee, based on studies by the Central Water and Power Research Station, which identified this stretch as highly exposed to flooding.
A 14-year-old girl gave birth to a son on Tuesday at the district hospital in Pithoragarh, following which a case was registered against the father of the newborn, officials said.
The police said that a case has been registered against the newborn’s father. (Representational)
A 14-year-old girl gave birth to a son on Tuesday at the district hospital in Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand, following which a case was registered against the father of the newborn, officials said.
L S Khati, Chairman of the Child Welfare Committee — a state government body responsible for the care of needy children in the Pithoragarh district — stated that the pregnant girl was in severe labour pain. Assuming the responsibility of her guardian, the committee signed the necessary consent forms, allowing doctors to perform a surgical procedure.
Khati further informed that a case has been registered against the newborn’s father at the Munsyari Police Station under Sections 64(1), 87, and 5/6 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Indian Justice Code), as well as under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
According to information received, a young man, who claimed to be the infant’s father, works in Pune.
The minor girl informed the committee that her parents had separated when she was very young. Last year, she became involved with this young man and moved to Pune, where she subsequently became pregnant.
Priya Sachdev has penned an emotional tribute to her late husband Sunjay Kapur on what would have been their ninth wedding anniversary, even as a legal dispute over his estate continues to unfold.
Taking to Instagram, Priya shared a series of photographs from their wedding ceremony in 2017. The photos capture moments from their traditional Punjabi wedding, with Priya dressed in an orange and gold Banarasi kurta set, while Sunjay Kapur is seen in a white kurta paired with a pink turban.
The couple is seen offering prayers, taking pheras, and posing together as newlyweds. One of the images also features readings from the Guru Granth Sahib.
Priya’s Emotional Note
Alongside the photographs, Priya included a deeply personal note, recalling memories from their years together. She also shared a handwritten message that Sunjay had penned for her on their seventh anniversary.
It read: “Us. This is just the beginning of our time together. To 7 years of marriage and to 7 more lives together. I read this quote somewhere and I don’t know who to credit for it: ‘And if I could live life again, I would repeat every mistake so long as it leads me back to you.'”
Marking the milestone, Priya wrote, “Happy Anniversary, J. Last year, on our 8th, we celebrated with your Dosco school friends. It was loud, warm, full of laughter. You looked at me and said you wanted us to be together for the next seven lifetimes. I am holding you to that, J.”
She continued, “On our 7th, you wrote the most beautiful note for me-the most precious gift. I have carried every word with me, and I always will. You were not just my husband-you were my soulmate, my safe place, my heartbeat. With you, I found home. Loving you was the easiest and most beautiful thing I have ever known. You made the ordinary feel magical.”
Concluding her heartfelt message, Priya added, “You are not in my past, my love. You are waiting for me in my future. Our story isn’t over. Happy Anniversary, my forever,” before saying, “PS: I love you. Always.”
Sunjay Kapur’s Estate
Her tribute comes at a time when matters surrounding Sunjay Kapur’s Rs 30,000-crore estate have reportedly turned contentious. Following his death, Priya is said to have claimed that he transferred his entire estate to her, a claim that is now being contested in court.
On one side of the dispute are Sunjay’s mother and sister, along with the children he shared with actor Karisma Kapoor, while Priya stands on the other.
Redrawing of LS segments is a sticking point between Modi govt and Opposition; TN CM says give women quota without tinkering with number of seats and their maps
Sonia Gandhi has argued for women’s quota but against delimitation based on old census; PM Modi says quota before 2029 was demanded by Opposition. (ANI, HT File Photos)
A special sitting of Parliament has been called for April 16-18 to take up two proposed legislations, or bills, to amend the Constitution to expand the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816 seats, and reserve one-third those – 273 to be precise – for women.
But it comes with several caveats, one of which is the necessary delimitation of India’s electoral map. Simply put, a redrawing of boundaries to form more Lok Sabha segments, and potentially even assembly segments thereafter.
This delimitation plan has emerged as a major sticking point between PM Narendra Modi’s government and Congress-led Opposition.
The government will need some Opposition help to pass these bills, as constitutional amendments need a two-third majority which the BJP-led NDA does not have.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the changes fulfil a promise all parties made together. But Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has written that the real issue is not women’s reservation at all — with which she says no one has an issue — but the delimitation exercise being bundled with it.
The two positions were staked out publicly within hours of each other on Monday, defining the battle lines heading into the special session.
What the bills propose: Use 2011 Census, not wait
The Union cabinet led by Modi has approved the introduction of two bills during the special sitting.
The first is a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament. The second concerns delimitation or redrawing of LS seat maps on the ground. Together, the bills seek to increase Lok Sabha seats by a flat 50% — from 543 to 816 — with the 273 additional seats reserved for women.
Crucially, the exercise would be based on the 2011 Census, not the ongoing Census which began this month and whose data will not be available for some time.
An earlier amendment for the women’s quota, passed with unanimous support in 2023, had attached the quota implementation to the next Census, which is not even in full swing as of now. That would have meant the actual reservation would not be in effect for the 2029 Lok Sabha election. Because, first the census would have to be done, and then delimitation — a long process.
Now, a Delimitation Commission is proposed to redraw constituency boundaries before the 2029 general elections, using the 2011 Census instead of waiting for the latest one.
Modi: ‘Opposition demanded 2029, we delivered’
Speaking on Monday, PM Modi claimed the special move would fulfil what all parties wanted. He recalled that in 2023, when the original women’s reservation bill was passed, all parties had said it should be implemented by 2029.
“Nobody wanted the bill to be passed and not implemented, especially our Opposition leaders. They were very vocal in stressing that it should be implemented in 2029. Keeping that timeline in mind, the government decided to take what the Opposition had said seriously,” he said.
Describing the upcoming special sittings of parliament as a historic moment, Modi urged all parties to pass the amendments unanimously.
“I am confident that just as it was passed and the pride of Parliament was elevated [in 2023], this time too, through everyone’s collective efforts, the dignity of Parliament will touch new heights,” he said.
Sonia Gandhi writes on ‘real issue’
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, however, drew a sharp distinction between the women’s quota and the delimitation exercise accompanying it.
“Reservation for women is not the issue here. That has already been settled. The real issue is delimitation which, based on the information unofficially available, is extremely dangerous and an assault on the Constitution itself,” she wrote in an article for The Hindu.
She argued that any delimitation exercise must be preceded by a new census, as has been the practice historically.
She pointedly raised the question of states’ shares in the Lok Sabha. She said that any delimitation must not put smaller states and states that have been pioneers in family planning — such as most South Indian states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala — “at an absolute or relative disadvantage”.
She argued that even a proportionate increase in seats could harm such states, because “the difference in absolute numbers would get magnified”.
The BJP has said a flat 50% increase does not disturb the proportional shares of states in Parliament.
Sonia further questioned the timing of the government’s change of position from 2023. “Why did it take Prime Minister Narendra Modi 30 months to make his U-turn?” she asked, suggesting the special session had been called to manage “political narratives” amid assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry.
She accused the government of a “tearing hurry to bulldoze extremely far-reaching changes to our polity”.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also wrote to the Prime Minister on Monday, questioning the timing. He said the government was seeking the opposition’s cooperation without providing adequate details.
South is worried: ‘Give quota, but why delimitation’
Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK supremo MK Stalin has accused the government of bundling the two issues — reservation and redrawing of LS seat boundaries — deliberately.
He demanded that women’s reservation be implemented immediately, without fresh delimitation or change in number of Lok Sabha seats.
“The Union government is not concerned about implementing reservations for women. If their concerns were genuine, they could have done it right away. Rather than doing that, the BJP-led Centre is thinking of using it as a weapon to tackle opposition and take up the delimitation exercise based on population,” he said in an interview over the weekend with news agency PTI.
How seats increase
The delimitation part of the government’s plan carries significant implications for federal balance in Parliament.
Under the proposed 50% flat increase, states like Uttar Pradesh would go from 80 Lok Sabha seats to 120; Bihar from 40 to 60. These are states of the Hindi belt where the BJP is strong.
In the South where the BJP mostly struggles, Tamil Nadu would go from 39 to approximately 59, and Kerala from 20 to 30.
The government’s position is that since every state’s seats increase by the same proportion, no state’s share of Parliament changes.
The five southern states — Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana — collectively hold 23.8% of the current 543-seat house. After expansion, they would hold 23.9% of the 816-seat house. Hardly a change.
However, the Gandhis and several chief ministers argue that proportional share is not the full picture.
The absolute gap in seat numbers between the northern Hindi-belt states and the southern states would widen — with the North collectively gaining 88 seats and the South gaining 66, as per a basic calculation.
That would make it harder for smaller blocs to build coalitions to block constitutional amendments or resist changes to, say, tax-sharing arrangements among states.
Parliamentary arithmetic
There are essentially three levels of majority for legal changes in India.
An ordinary bill needs a simple majority.
A constitutional amendment under Article 368 needs a special majority, which means two-thirds of members present and voting. That is the higher bar these bills face.
The Lok Sabha has 543 members. A simple majority means 272. For a special majority, two-thirds of members present and voting, means 362.
The current constitutional amendment bill changes Articles 81 (composition of Lok Sabha), 82 (delimitation), 330 (SC/ST reservations) and 334A (women’s reservation), requires special majority.
The NDA has roughly 293 seats in the Lok Sabha, comfortably above 272 but short of 362. In the Rajya Sabha, the NDA is similarly placed — a majority but not a two-thirds majority on its own.
The government needs somewhere between 60 and 70 additional votes in the Lok Sabha from outside the NDA to clear the two-thirds bar, depending on attendance on the day of voting. Regional parties — BJD, YSR Congress, and others not firmly in either the NDA or INDIA bloc — are the swing votes being courted.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that Delhi High Court judge Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma had attended events organised by the Adhivakta Parishad, a lawyers’ body affiliated with the RSS, on four occasions. He further said he strongly opposed the BJP-RSS ideology.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal has sought the withdrawal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from hearing a CBI petition related to the liquor policy case. (Photo: PTI/Delhi HC)
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Monday alleged that Delhi High Court judge Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma attended an event hosted by Adhivakta Parishad, a lawyer’s body affiliated with the RSS, four times. He said he was opposed to the BJP-RSS ideology and called the Delhi liquor policy case “political”.
Kejriwal has sought the withdrawal of Justice Sharma from hearing a CBI petition related to the liquor policy case. He has claimed that there was a grave, bona fide and reasonable apprehension that the hearing in the matter before her would not be impartial and neutral.
“There’s a lawyer’s body, Adhivakta Parishad. It is an ideological body of the BJP and RSS. Your honour has attended its events four times. The ideology they follow is something we strongly oppose and we oppose it openly. This case is political,” said Kejriwal, who appeared in court in person.
Kejriwal, in his submission, alleged political bias and raised concerns over judicial perception, questioning whether participation in events linked to a particular ideology could impact fairness in his case.
Citing Supreme Court observations, he referred to the remark, “In a functional democracy, perception matters,” and also invoked past comments describing the CBI as a “caged parrot,” arguing that investigative agencies must maintain independence and dispel perceptions of bias. He further claimed that the court itself had observed that the CBI was “subject to political bias.”
‘WILL I GET JUSTICE?’
Kejriwal argued that if a judge has attended events associated with a specific ideology, an accused from an opposing ideology may reasonably fear denial of justice, asking, “If I am from the opposite ideology, will I get justice?”
He also alleged selective urgency in hearings involving Opposition leaders, stating that only cases involving political opponents of the Centre were being taken up at a faster pace, and that there was undue haste in hearings and filings.
On the Delhi liquor policy case, the AAP chief claimed that the High Court had largely endorsed the arguments of the ED and CBI, saying that “every prayer by ED and CBI has turned into a judgment, except in one case.”
Kejriwal argued that he was not appearing as an accused, saying, “I am not standing here today as an accused. I have already been discharged.”
He referred to earlier proceedings, including the March 9 order, alleging that it was passed after a brief hearing with only the CBI present. He said, “Ex parte, without hearing anyone, without taking anyone’s reply. This court passed an order stating that, prima facie, the order is erroneous.” He claimed the trial court had examined thousands of pages, but its order was overturned after a short hearing.
On February 27, the trial court gave clean chit to Kejriwal, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia and 21 others in the liquor policy case and pulled up the CBI, saying its case was wholly unable to survive judicial scrutiny and stood discredited in its entirety.
On March 9, Justice Sharma issued notice to all 23 accused on a CBI plea against their discharge, saying certain observations and findings of the trial court at the stage of framing of charges prima facie appeared erroneous and needed consideration.
‘MY HEART SANK AFTER SEEING COURT ORDER’
During the hearing, Kejriwal further said the March 9 order triggered serious apprehensions of bias, adding, “My heart sank. I had serious apprehensions about bias. Therefore, I wrote a letter to the Chief Justice.” He said he later approached the court after his representation was rejected.
Citing legal principles, he argued that even an apprehension of bias is sufficient for recusal, stating, “If there is an apprehension of bias in the mind of a party, then there is a case for recusal. The apprehension in my mind is a matter between me and the court. The CBI should not be made a party.”
Referring to earlier related cases, he said several matters involving co-accused had already been heard, including bail petitions, and said, “The observations made by this court in those matters amount to judgments.”
He alleged that in some instances, conclusions were drawn within a few hearings, saying, “It appears the court gave a final judgment on many of those points in just two hearings.”
On Sisodia’s case, he argued that conclusions on corruption were premature, saying, “It felt as if we were not just declared corrupt, but extremely corrupt.” He added that the Supreme Court had later set aside certain findings, claiming this showed inconsistency in earlier observations.
After being laid off twice from high-paying tech roles, Zeeshan Bakhrani used his savings to launch ‘Nishaan,’ a viral eatery blending Chicago roots with South Asian spices.
From Tech Layoffs To Rs 1.3 Crore A Month: Meet The Product Manager Selling Bihari Tacos, Pakistani Chopped Cheese In New York
The corporate world’s loss has officially become the food world’s gain. For nearly a decade, Zeeshan Bakhrani lived the quintessential tech life in New York—navigating the high-pressure world of product management, sitting through endless strategy meetings, and dealing with shifting corporate priorities. But in August 2025, after being hit by a second layoff, the 34-year-old decided he was done with the “9-to-5″ grind.
According to a report by CNBC, Bakhrani took a $70,000 (approximately Rs 65 lakh) leap of faith, investing his personal savings into a brand-new Manhattan eatery called Nishaan. Today, that gamble is paying off to the tune of $140,000 (roughly Rs 1.3 crore) in monthly revenue.
Growing up in a Pakistani-American household in Chicago, Bakhrani’s palate was always a mix of two worlds. His mother would often spice up American staples with South Asian flavours—a culinary DNA that now defines his menu.
At Nishaan, you won’t find standard fast food. Instead, Bakhrani serves up “Pakistani-American street food,” featuring dishes like Bihari-style barbacoa tacos, Pakistani chopped cheese, and buffalo tandoori chicken sandwiches. It’s the kind of food he used to experiment with at home, swapping tortillas for parathas and topping burgers with spicy chutneys.
Freedom From The Boardroom
While Bakhrani now works gruelling 14-hour days, he says the trade-off is worth it. Comparing his kitchen to his former tech roles, he highlighted the instant gratification of the food business. “Here, I come up with an idea, I can knock it out in a week,” he explained, contrasting the speed of the kitchen with the slow bureaucracy of tech projects.
ED’s coal pilferage money laundering case is based on CBI FIR filed in November 2020. The probe agency has carried out searches in January and April
Vinesh Chandel, the co-founder of political consulting firm I-PAC
Enforcement Directorate, on Monday, arrested one of the directors and founder of political consultancy firm I-PAC, Vinesh Chandel, officials told Times Now. The anti-money laundering probe agency is probing I-PAC in the alleged coal pilferage case.ED case stems from the CBI FIR filed in November 2020 where it was alleged that crores of coal is being smuggled and pilferage is happening in Eastern Coalfields Limited Mines in West Bengal’s Asansol district.
The probe agency will be producing Chandel before the special judge’s residence and seeking his custody. This is the first big arrest in the I-PAC linked coal pilferage investigations which started in January.
On 8th January, the ED claimed its raids in Kolkata which were being carried out at premises of I-PAC director Pratik Jain residence were disrupted when West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee stopped the raids mid way. “During the search, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Kolkata and Officer in Charge of Sarani Police Station came to one of the premises along with 01 personnel to verify the identity of the officials. The Commissioner of Police, Kolkata also entered the premises shortly thereafter along with several officers of Kolkata Police. They were briefed about the proceedings by the Authorized Officer who also showed him his identity card,” the ED said on 8th January.
“Proceedings were being conducted in a peaceful and professional manner, till the arrival of West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee along with large number of police officials. Banerjee entered the residential premises of Prateek Jain, and took away key evidences including physical documents and electronic devices.The CM’s convoy then proceeded to I-PAC’s office premises, from where Banerjee, her aides, and the state police personnel forcibly removed physical documents and electronic evidence,” the ED said in a statement on 8th January.
Soon after the raids, a war of words broke between TMC and BJP. TMC accused BJP of using ED to steal confidential data pertaining to voters. ED, however, countered this and levelled a serious charge against I-PAC
“The person linked to generation of coal smuggling proceeds hawala operators and handlers are covered in PMLA search and IPAC is also one of the entities linked to hawala money,” the ED said.
I- PAC denied all charges :
“Officials from the Enforcement Directorate carried out searches at the I-PAC office and at the residence of our Director, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata. It was a difficult and unfortunate day for a professional organisation like I-PAC. We believe this raises serious concerns and sets an unsettling precedent. Regardless, we have extended full cooperation and will continue to do so as required, engaging with the process in complete accordance and respect for the law,” I-PAC said on 9 January
Post ED searches West Bengal filed FIRs against ED officials. The matter went to Apex Court. SC has stayed any proceedings in these FIRs. ED has asked for a CBI probe in the 8th January incident. The SC continues to hear the case.
A mob of over 100 protesters barged into a Maruti service centre and attacked the premises. The protesters torched vehicles, broke into the office, and set the guard’s cabin on fire.
Representational Image. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A violent protests by factory workers in Noida brought traffic to a standstill at Delhi’s border with reports of stone-pelting, vandalism, and vehicles being set on fire were floating throughout the day. A car was also seen torched due to the escalated tensions between protesters and the police.
Further, a mob of over 100 protesters barged into a Maruti service centre and attacked the premises. The protesters torched vehicles, broke into the office, and set the guard’s cabin on fire.
The employees told Times Now that they don’t support such violent protests, adding, “Solutions should’ve been found through deliberations.”
In cases of such riot like situation or violent protests, damages can happen to the vehicle body, engine, windshield or even the entire vehicle could be burnt to ashes.
Amid the ongoing violent protests, a question that comes in mind of those whose cars are impacted due to the violence is whether the insurance companies cover the costs of damaged vehicles or not.
Paras Pasricha, Head of Motor Insurance at Policybazaar.com , said, “If a car is burnt during a protest or riot, it is typically covered under a comprehensive motor insurance policy, which includes protection against man-made events like riots, vandalism, and fire.”
“However, those with only a basic third-party policy will not be covered for damage to their own vehicle. In such situations, filing an FIR promptly and maintaining proper documentation is crucial to ensure a smooth claims process,” he added.
A comprehensive motor insurance policy consists of two parts ‘Own damage (OD) cover’ and third-party insurance cover.
A policyholder needs to check beforehand and if there is a comprehensive insurance policy, then the damage to the vehicle due to riots is covered under the OD section.
It is the non-compulsory part of the comprehensive motor policy that actually pays you in case of damage to your vehicle.
A newly married man in Agra alleged that his wife demanded ₹90 lakh on their wedding night and refused intimacy without payment. The dispute escalated into a family clash, with accusations of threats and theft. The groom’s family approached the court after police inaction, leading to a case being registered and an ongoing investigation.
‘Pay ₹90 Lakh For S*x’: Bride Demands Money For Intimacy From Groom On Wedding Night In UP’s Agra | ChatGPT (Representational Image)
In Agra, a newly married man’s hopes of starting a new life with his wife were shattered to pieces on the wedding night after she allegedly demanded ₹90 lakh, refusing any physical relationship until the amount was paid. This bizarre demand left the groom’s family in a state of shock, as it was completely unexpected.
According to reports, the incident took place in the Jagdishpura area of Uttar Pradesh. The wedding took place between the groom, reportedly the brother of a doctor, and the bride, a resident of Hathras. All rituals were performed as per tradition, and there was joy among those who attended the ceremonies. However, this happiness was short-lived for the groom and his family.
Trouble began on the very first night of the marriage. It is reported that when the groom entered their private room and tried to get close to his wife, she allegedly demanded ₹90 lakh in cash, stating that she would not share any intimacy unless the full amount was paid.
Upon hearing this, the ground slipped from beneath the groom’s feet. He was stunned and immediately informed his family, leaving them deeply distressed. The groom refused to comply with the demand, which led to a heated argument between the couple, further escalating tensions within the household.
Following the argument, the bride allegedly called her family, leading to a ruckus between the two sides. The groom’s family has alleged that the bride’s relatives came to the house, locked it from the outside, and, when the money was not given, attempted to break the PNG gas line and burn the family alive. It is also alleged that the bride took all the jewellery and returned to her maternal home.
RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka praised Nepal’s newly formed cabinet, highlighting its young ministers and strong academic backgrounds. Many members hold postgraduate or doctoral degrees from global universities. The cabinet, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, features several leaders in their 30s and 40s, drawing attention for its youthful and highly educated composition.
Industrialist Harsh Goenka on Monday lauded the composition of Nepal’s newly formed cabinet, pointing out the relatively young age and strong educational credentials of its members.
Sharing a graphic of the 2026 cabinet on X, Goenka remarked that Nepal’s new team of ministers stands out for being youthful, well-qualified and globally educated. He added that the composition offers something worth reflecting on for leaders in other countries.
Nepal’s new cabinet stands out – young, highly qualified, and globally educated.
The graphic indicated that many ministers in the cabinet are in their 30s and 40s, with several holding advanced degrees from reputed international universities. According to the data, Prime Minister Balendra Shah, aged 35, holds a master’s degree in structural engineering. Key ministries such as finance, foreign affairs and health are also led by individuals with postgraduate or doctoral qualifications from institutions in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Many cabinet members possess academic backgrounds in fields such as public policy, economics, engineering and public health, while others have studied law, business administration and literature. The data also highlighted that relatively young leaders have been assigned major portfolios including home affairs, infrastructure, energy, education and agriculture.
Among the notable appointments, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, aged 52, holds a PhD in Economics from the Australian National University and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University, making him one of the most academically accomplished members of the cabinet.
The Iran-flagged Felicity has reached Sikka Port in western India, while the Curacao-flagged Jaya is at the eastern port of Odisha, the data shows.
India has not received a cargo from Iran since May 2019.
Two very large crude carriers loaded with Iranian oil have reached Indian ports, ship tracking data from LSEG shows, as local refiners utilise a temporary waiver granted by the United States last month to resume purchases from Tehran for the first time in seven years.
The current waiver is due to expire on April 19.
The Iran-flagged Felicity has reached Sikka Port in western India, while the Curacao-flagged Jaya is at the eastern port of Odisha, the data shows.
A VLCC carries 2 million barrels of oil.
India, the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer, has not received a cargo from Iran since May 2019 after coming under U.S. pressure not to buy the country’s crude.
Indian Oil Corp, the country’s top refiner, has bought Iranian oil loaded on the Jaya, a vessel under U.S. sanctions, Reuters reported last week.
The conflict began when a resident’s male cat impregnated a neighbour’s female cat. The conflict erupted after four kittens were born.
An unusual cat ‘custody’ dispute between neighbours in Bengaluru ended peacefully after police intervened. Details of the case were shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user named Yasir Mushtaq. The user revealed that the police officers in Seshadripuram were recently called to handle a neighbourhood argument that had nothing to do with the people involved. It was about their pets.
The conflict began when a resident’s male cat impregnated a neighbour’s female cat. After the female cat gave birth to a litter of four kittens, the situation escalated.
The owners of the female cat reportedly took the newborns to their neighbour’s house, demanding they take over. They claimed that since the neighbour owned the “father,” they should be responsible for raising the kittens.
This demand led to a loud and heated argument between the two families, and someone called the police.
Police Mediate Unusual ‘Cat Custody’ Dispute in Bengaluru
Bengaluru
In one of the more unusual interventions for the city’s patrol units, officers from the Seshadripuram Police Station in #Bengaluru were called to settle a neighborhood dispute triggered not by humans, but by… pic.twitter.com/F3FH27euYE
“Art, like knowledge, is a shared heritage of humanity and should not be confined by borders,” says Geo MD as he defends Asha Bhosle tribute after PEMRA notice
The Tricolour-draped mortal remains of Asha Bhosle during her state funeral in Mumbai on Monday, April 13. (ANI Photo)
After Pakistan’s electronic media regulator PEMRA issued a show-cause notice to Geo News for airing content related to the death of legendary singer Asha Bhosle, it sparked a broader reaction about art and the shared cultural roots in the subcontinent.
Azhar Abbas, managing director of Geo News and president of the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND),
He wrote in the X post, “It has always been customary to revisit and celebrate the work of iconic artists when reporting on them… In fact, for an artist of Asha Bhosle’s stature, we should have shared even more of her timeless and memorable songs than we did. Yet, [Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority or] PEMRA has chosen to restrict this.”
Abbas did not stop at defending his channel’s editorial choices.
He made a case for shared culture: “Art, like knowledge, is a shared heritage of humanity and it should not be confined by borders.”
He further noted, “Asha Bhosle herself admired Pakistan’s legendary singer Noor Jahan, whom she fondly called her ‘elder sister.’ She collaborated with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and brought to life the poetry of great Urdu poets like Nasir Kazmi.”
Asha Bhosle died in Mumbai on April 12, 2026, at the age of 92.
As tributes poured in from across the world, Geo News — one of Pakistan’s most prominent television channels — covered her passing by revisiting her music and legacy.
What notice argued, and Geo MD’s reply
The media regulator issued a notice invoking a 2018 Supreme Court of Pakistan order that banned the airing of Indian content on television. It summoned Geo News CEO Mir Ibrahim Rehman for a hearing on April 27.
Abbas, however, batted for separating brittle politics from art.
“In times of war and conflict, art and artists should not become casualties. Intellectuals, musicians, and creators are often the very voices that stand against hatred and division, and the ones who bring people closer together,” he wrote. India and Pakistan were engaged in military exchanges last year after a terror attack in Pahalgam in India’s Jammu and Kashmir union territory. India carried out ‘Operation Sindoor’ against terror bases in Pakistan.
PEMRA has issued a show-cause notice to Geo News for airing content related to the legendary subcontinent singer Asha Bhosle.
It has always been customary to revisit and celebrate the work of iconic artists when reporting on them. In fact, for an artist of Asha Bhosle’s stature,… pic.twitter.com/AuhFPyGZCL
The backlash to PEMRA’s notice was not limited to Geo News’ reaction.
Political commentator Rauf Klasra even invoked a historical context. “Pls dont take us back to the draconian years of the 80s of Gen Zia, when even owning a VCR/movies was a crime and punishable,” he wrote, “It’s the age of Netflix and AI. Don’t make us look like a fool in this age.”
The reference to General Zia-ul-Haq was to his military rule in the 1980s, marked by cultural restrictions and a climate of censorship.
Another X user by the name Umer Farooq attacked the Shehbaz Sharif government: “The current regime is attempting to project a softer image of Pakistan. They claim we are better than India. Her melodies live on in people’s hearts. You want to erase them? How will you stop people from listening to her songs on YouTube or other platforms? The current regime has gone mad.”
Pakistani artists have paid tributes to Asha Bhosle. Actor Ahsan Khan called her death “the end of an era”; another actor, Adnan Siddiqui, wrote that her voice “had a way of filling even the quietest moments with something devastatingly human”.
Siddiqui added, “Thank you for the emotions you gave us, the memories you became and the magic you left behind. You’ll always be heard, somewhere… somehow.”
The MHA proposes increasing ex-Agniveers’ CISF recruitment reservation from 10% to 50%, exempting them from exams and physical tests.
https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/
The ministry of home affairs (MHA) has proposed increasing the reservation for ex-Agniveers in Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) recruitments from 10% to 50%, exempting them from the written examination and physical efficiency test, according to a CISF circular issued on Monday.
The CISF circular, seen by HT, said the recruitment rules are reviewed every five years. On March 6, the MHA instructed CISF to revise its recruitment provision for ex-Agniveers. On Monday, the CISF circulated its revised recruitment rules, incorporating the MHA proposal, for stakeholder comments. To be sure, the rules are yet to be notified.
The circular, detailing proposed changes, said that “50% vacancies shall be reserved for ex-Agniveers for recruitment to the post of Constable (General Duty) in every recruitment year.”
In the first phase, the circular said, the recruitment will be conducted by the Nodal Force for 50% vacancies earmarked for ex-Agniveers or as per the instructions issued by the MHA from time to time. In the second phase, it added, the recruitment will be “conducted through open examination as per the existing provisions against the remaining 50% of the vacancies along with the unfilled vacancies of the first or the first phase or as per the instructions issued by the MHA from time to time.”
The proposed changes also include exemption for ex-Agniveers from written examination, physical standard test (PST) and physical efficiency test (PET). In a March 16, 2023 notification reserving 10% of vacancies for ex-Agniveers, they were exempted only from the PST.
The move comes as the first batch of around 2,600 Agniveers, inducted into the Navy in November 2022, is likely to retire later this year and become eligible to join the various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
So far, only the Border Security Force (BSF) has declared a 50% reservation for ex-Agniveers among the CAPFs, while other forces reserve 10% of vacancies for former soldiers of the short-term recruitment scheme. Some state police forces, including those from Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan, have also announced reservations for ex-Agniveers.
Shashi Tharoor slammed a “toxic campus culture” following the death of BDS student Nithin Raj in Kerala, asking, “How many must we mourn?” Citing allegations of caste abuse, harassment and academic targeting, he demanded a criminal probe and accountability. Tharoor said such incidents reflect systemic failure and called for urgent reforms to protect students.
Kerala Student Suicide Over Alleged Faculty Harassment; Shashi Tharoor Reacts, Slams ‘Toxic Campus Culture’
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has strongly reacted to the death of a young dental student in Kerala, calling it part of a “deeply diseased campus culture” and demanding urgent accountability. His remarks have amplified calls for justice and renewed scrutiny of institutional failures in educational spaces.
‘Not an Isolated Tragedy’
In a detailed statement, Tharoor expressed anguish over the death of Nithin Raj, a BDS student from Thiruvananthapuram, alleging that the incident reflects a larger systemic issue. He drew parallels with the earlier death of another student, Sidharthan, stating that while perpetrators may differ, the pattern of institutional failure remains the same.
Let us know! 👂
What type of content would you like to see from us this year?
— HubSpot (@HubSpot)
According to media reports, the victim’s family alleged that the faculty subjected Nithin to verbal abuse, casteist slurs, color-based mockery, financial shaming, and internal mark reductions.
Serious Allegations Against Faculty
Citing revelations from audio recordings and the family’s claims, Tharoor highlighted allegations of relentless verbal abuse, casteist slurs, threats, and academic harassment by faculty members. He noted that the student was allegedly targeted over caste, skin colour, and financial background, with even personal family matters being mocked in class.
Demand for Criminal Investigation
Calling the suspension of two faculty members insufficient, Tharoor demanded a thorough criminal investigation and accountability across the college administration. He stressed that institutions meant for learning must not become spaces of humiliation and unchecked power.
Three men, including a recent aeronautical engineering graduate linked to various theft cases, were arrested in Gujarat after an attempted robbery at a jewelry store. The shop owner was shot during the incident.
Investigators are probing the motive behind the robbery and any connections between the suspects and the jeweler. (Image: Representative)
An ex-intern with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), allegedly linked to multiple thefts, was among three men arrested in an attempted robbery at a jewellery shop in Gujarat’s Navsari. The accused, identified as 25-year-old Umang Vachhani, along with Rajnikant Makwana (39) and Manoj Survyavanshi (23), all from Valsad, were nabbed by joint teams of the Local Crime Branch (LCB), Special Operations Group (SOG), cybercrime unit and Bilimora police. An aeronautical engineering graduate, Vachhani is suspected to have been involved in at least 11 heists since 2023.
According to the police, Vachhani and Makwana entered Chanchal Jewellers to execute the robbery, while Survyavanshi remained stationed in a car outside. The plan collapsed when shop owner Ashok Katariya resisted and raised an alarm. During their escape, Vachhani allegedly opened fire, shooting Katariya twice and leaving him injured, TOI reported.
Navsari superintendent of police Rahul Patel told TOI that officials examined nearly 300 CCTV cameras to track the suspects. The getaway vehicle was traced to an industrial zone in Chikhli, which eventually led police to the trio in Valsad. The accused had attempted to evade capture by removing the car’s number plate and abandoning it in a quarry.
ISRO intern linked to multiple heists
Vachhani had completed his aeronautical engineering degree from Silver Oak University in Ahmedabad in 2022 and later interned at ISRO’s Ahmedabad unit for seven months. He went on to work at a private aerospace firm toward the end of 2023, where he remained employed for about a year, according to the TOI report.
Despite his academic background, police said Vachhani had a criminal history and had been booked in 11 vehicle theft cases across Ahmedabad since 2023. These cases were registered at Satellite,Navrangpura, Ghatlodia, Vadaj, Gujarat University, and Vastrapur police stations. He was later detained under the PASA Act by the Ahmedabad police commissioner.
As new cooking technologies enter Indian kitchens, the big question remains: which one is actually affordable? Here’s a simple cost comparison of LPG, electric, and hydrogen cooking in 2026.
LPG remains most practical as electric cooking grows in cities
From rising LPG cylinder prices to the growing buzz around electric and hydrogen stoves, the way India cooks is slowly changing. For decades, LPG has been the backbone of Indian kitchens, reliable, accessible, and easy to use.
But now, with electricity becoming more stable in cities and new fuel technologies being introduced, many households are starting to rethink their choices.
The question is no longer just about convenience. It is about cost.
For a middle-class family, the monthly kitchen budget matters. A slight increase in fuel cost can affect overall expenses. At the same time, newer options like induction cooktops promise efficiency, while hydrogen is being discussed as the fuel of the future.
So, in 2026, which cooking option is actually the cheapest? And should households consider switching, or stick with LPG for now?
Here’s a clear and simple comparison.
LPG: STILL THE MOST COMMON CHOICE
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) continues to be the primary cooking fuel for millions of Indian households. It is widely available and does not depend on electricity, which makes it reliable even in areas with power cuts.
However, prices have steadily increased over the years. In most cities, a domestic LPG cylinder costs between 900 and 1,100.
For a small to medium family, one cylinder usually lasts around 25 to 30 days.
Estimated monthly cost: 900–1,200
Pros:
Easily available across India
Works without electricity
Familiar and simple to use
Cons:
Prices fluctuate
Requires regular refills
Safety concerns if not handled properly
ELECTRIC COOKING: GROWING IN URBAN HOMES
Electric cooking, especially through induction cooktops, is becoming more common in cities. It is clean, easy to maintain, and removes the need to book gas cylinders.
Induction stoves are also energy-efficient, as they heat utensils directly instead of wasting heat.
However, the total cost depends on electricity tariffs, which vary from state to state.
Estimated monthly cost: 700–1,100
Pros:
Can be cheaper than LPG in some areas
No refilling required
Safer in terms of no gas leaks
Cons:
Depends on electricity supply
Not ideal during power cuts
Requires compatible utensils
HYDROGEN COOKING: A FUTURE POSSIBILITY
Hydrogen stoves are still in the early stages and are not widely available for household use yet. The idea is simple, use hydrogen as a clean fuel that produces only water as a byproduct.
Some companies and researchers are testing hydrogen-based cooking systems, but they are not yet ready for mass adoption in India.
Costs are also unclear at this stage because the technology is still developing.
Estimated monthly cost: Not available yet
Pros:
Clean and environmentally friendly
Could reduce dependence on fossil fuels
Cons:
Not commercially available
High setup and infrastructure requirements
Cost still uncertain
SO, WHICH IS CHEAPEST IN 2026?
Based on current trends:
Electric cooking can be slightly cheaper than LPG in cities with stable and affordable electricity.
LPG remains the most practical and reliable option for most households, especially where electricity is inconsistent.
Hydrogen is not yet a realistic choice for everyday use.
WHAT SHOULD HOUSEHOLDS DO?
For now, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
If you live in a city with a stable power supply, electronic cooking can help reduce monthly costs.
If you face frequent power cuts, LPG is still the safer and more dependable option.
Hydrogen is something to watch for the future, but not something to switch to today.
India’s kitchens are at a turning point. While LPG continues to dominate, alternatives like electric and hydrogen cooking are slowly gaining attention.
Twenty-two-year-old BDS student Nithin Raj R.L was found dead after falling from a college building in Kannur on April 10. His family alleges caste-based harassment, skin tone bias and threats over internal marks by faculty. Police registered an unnatural death case, while Kerala’s human rights panel sought a report promptly.
His family, who work as daily wage labourers, alleged that Nithin had been facing sustained mental harassment from the head of the department and other teachers.
A 22-year-old first-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student, Nithin Raj R.L, was found dead on April 10 after allegedly falling from a five-storey building on the campus of Anjarakandy Dental College in Kannur, Kerala, triggering serious allegations of faculty harassment, caste discrimination and skin tone bias.
Nithin, a native of Nedumangad in Thiruvananthapuram district, was discovered critically injured on the college premises on Friday afternoon and was rushed to hospital, where he was later declared dead. Chakkarakkal police have registered a case of unnatural death and launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
His family, who work as daily wage labourers, alleged that Nithin had been facing sustained mental harassment from the head of the department and other teachers. They claimed he was repeatedly targeted over his caste identity and skin tone. The family specifically accused the department head, Dr M K Ram, of threatening to cut his internal marks, an allegation that has intensified concern over the case.
The incident has also drawn the attention of the Kerala State Human Rights Commission, which has registered a suo motu case and directed police to submit a detailed report into the matter.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor posted on X, “Deeply anguished to learn of the tragic death of Nithin Raj, a young BDS student from Thiruvananthapuram, at Kannur Dental College, Anjarakandy. Audio recordings now reveal what his family has long alleged — relentless verbal abuse, casteist slurs, threats, and deliberate academic sabotage by faculty. A bright young life, extinguished by a toxic campus.”
China should refrain from actions which inject negativity into relations and undermine efforts to create better understanding.
Illustration of the flags of India and China. Credit: iStock Photo
New Delhi: India on Sunday categorically rejected China renaming some places in Arunachal Pradesh and said such claims and attempts to manufacture baseless narratives cannot alter the “undeniable reality” that they are part of Indian territories.
China should refrain from actions which inject negativity into relations and undermine efforts to create better understanding, it said.
New Delhi’s reaction came in response to Beijing announcing Chinese names for several places in Arunachal Pradesh.
“India categorically rejects any mischievous attempts by the Chinese side to assign fictitious names to places which form part of the territory of India,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
“Such attempts by China at introducing false claims and manufacturing baseless narratives cannot alter the undeniable reality that these places and territories, including Arunachal Pradesh, were, are, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India,” he said.
Our response to media queries regarding China giving fictitious names to places ⬇️
The Punjab Government has implemented a new reward policy under its mission ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ to incentivize informants who provide credible information about wanted criminals and gangsters.
Punjab government launches new reward scheme for informants on gangsters and criminals.
In a yet another milestone decision, the Punjab Government has authorised Punjab Police personnel to reward genuine informants under the new ‘reward policy’ for sharing information regarding ‘wanted criminals-gangsters’ or their network in the state. It also released a list of 28 most wanted criminals.
Under the project ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’, the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government has approved sanction powers up to Rs 1 lakh to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Rs 1.5 lakh to Commissioner of Police-Range Inspector General of Police/ Deputy Inspector General of Police, Rs 2 lakh to Heads of Wings (Special Director General of Police/Additional Director General of Police), and above Rs 2 lakh to Director General of Police (DGP). The sanctioned amount will be rewarded to the informants only on providing correct and genuine information. The project has been introduced for increasing the involvement of residents to help Punjab Government and Punjab Police make the state safe.
“Punjab Government has approved the above mentioned sanction powers for the designated police personnel. The information will be verified first, and the informants will be awarded as per the criteria. The identity of the informants will not be disclosed or made public at any level of police, public or government. The aim is to close all doors from criminals and gangsters working in the state, and the Punjab Government aims to go to any extent for achieving this aim,” informed Pramod Ban, ADGP, AGTF.
The information can be shared at ‘Anti-Gangster Helpline’ 9394693946. “The informants providing credible info that leads to the arrest of wanted criminals, Proclaimed and Habitual Offenders will be awarded. The Punjab Police will follow the leads provided by the informants. This project will also give extra wings to the Punjab Police network in stopping the trouble makers. The information gathered through this project (will be further) used for enhancing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ under operation Prahaar,” said Pramod Ban. This will be a high-quality reward program where the identity of the tipsters will be protected. “We want more and more people come forward to help the government and police denting the criminal activity in the state. To safeguard each and every resident of this state is our duty and responsibility. We would entrust the information only after proper vetting, and there’s no question of any danger to the informant,” he added. The amount will be decided on a case-by-case basis depending on the gravity of the offence, risk involved and quality of information. The policy is part of the ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign aimed at making Punjab gangster-free.
Meanwhile, under ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign Punjab Police recently conducted 56,487 raids at the at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state.
A Germany-based scientist in Gurgaon is winning hearts online after a viral video showed him selling bakery items from his car to help a friend start a small business
A Germany-returned scientist sells bakery items from his car in Gurugram to support his friend (Image-Instagram/@otherharsh)
A heartwarming video from Gurugram is winning hearts online, showcasing an unconventional yet powerful display of friendship. The clip features a man selling bakery items from the boot of a luxury car, a gesture that has intrigued viewers and sparked conversations around loyalty and going the extra mile for loved ones.
According to details shared online, the video was filmed at the Sector 31 market in Gurugram. It features a man, identified as Awadhesh, who is reportedly a medical research scientist working in Germany. In the clip, he is seen opening the trunk of his high-end vehicle, estimated to be worth around Rs 37 lakh, and displaying an assortment of baked goods for sale.
The video was posted on Instagram by user Harsh Chauhan, who captioned it: “Ek dost aisa bhi hai. 37 lakh ki gadi me dost ke liye support.” In the recording, Chauhan can be heard explaining that Awadhesh, despite his professional background abroad, is currently selling items from his car to help a friend.
Speaking about the viral moment, Awadhesh confirmed that he has been working in Germany as a medical research scientist for the past three years, but is currently on a break. He explained that his primary goal at the moment is to support his friend in setting up a small food venture named “Chatkaraa on Wheels.”
He added that the car-based setup is temporary and serves as a starting point for the business. “Once everything is established here, I plan to return to Germany,” he said, noting that the process may take around five to six months. For now, he is focused on helping create a sustainable source of income for his friend.
Chatkaara on Wheels himself commented, “Mujhe nahi pata tha ki humari friendship ap logo ko itni pasand ayegi. Life me ups and downs aate rehte hai Hume ek dusre ki help karni chahiye. Thank you again everyone for your love 💕”
As many as 163 minor boys, allegedly being trafficked from Bihar to Maharashtra to work as labourers, were rescued from an express train in Madhya Pradesh’s Katni district, the railway police said on Sunday.
Efforts have begun to contact their parents (Representational)
As many as 163 minor boys, allegedly being trafficked from Bihar to Maharashtra to work as labourers, were rescued from an express train in Madhya Pradesh’s Katni district, the railway police said on Sunday.
The eight accused arrested in the case have, however, claimed that the children, aged between six and 13, were being taken to a madrasa in Latur for education, they said.
Based on a tip-off from the Child Welfare Committee, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) conducted an overnight joint operation, intercepting eight persons, who were travelling with the boys without proper tickets and documents onboard the Patna-Purna Express at Katni railway station.
According to preliminary information, the children were being taken from the Araria region in Bihar to Latur in Maharashtra, RPF Katni inspector Virendra Singh told PTI.
The force received a tip off about the trafficking of children and grew suspicious after they found no valid travel documents, prompting a joint rescue operation, which was wrapped up at Sunday dawn, he said.
Singh said that the GRP have registered a case under section 143(4) (trafficking of a child below the age of eighteen years) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the eight accused, all from different districts of Bihar.
Initial investigations suggested that the boys were being taken to Latur to work as labourers, he said, adding that the GRP is investigating the case.
When contacted, Katni GRP station house officer (SHO) L P Kashyap told PTI that the rescued children and the accused belonged to the Muslim community.
The children were travelling in the sleeper class of the express train, with around 50 of them in a compartment, he said.
“During questioning, they (the accused) have claimed that the children were being taken for education purposes to a madrasa in Latur. We have contacted some parents, who have also said that they have sent their wards for education,” the GRP officer said.
The accused persons have said that they have taken children to madrasas in the past as well, he said.
“We are investigating the case. The accused, who have been booked on the charges of trafficking, will be produced in court,” he added.
According to officials, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) had received information about a large number of children being transported under suspicious circumstances.
Security personnel waited for the express train on platform number 5 and searched coaches upon its arrival, taking the children into safe custody, they added.
Child Protection Officer Manish Tiwari said authorities acted promptly on the input, and the rescued children were undergoing counselling.
A series of IT Rules amendments has shifted online speech control from courts to the executive, enabling fast, opaque takedowns with limited accountability.
AI-GENERATED IMAGE FOR REPRESENTATION
In The Dark Knight Rises , Gotham is not conquered in a single dramatic stroke but softened with the cultivation of fear and the practice of control. This allows for the appropriation of exceptional powers as the public has been conditioned to feel perpetually unsafe and hence extraordinary power begins to look like ordinary administration.
This provides a useful frame for understanding the digital censorship architecture assembled by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Since February 2021, four expansions of the IT Rules have centralised executive power over what Indians may say, see, and share online, each presented as a minor technical adjustment, and wrapped up in the language of citizen safety.
The most recent draft, circulated on March 30, 2026, widens the net from news platforms to ordinary social media users who comment on news and current affairs, a move that plainly responds to the rise of independent commentators channelling citizen anger at public officials across the ideological spectrum. It also proposes to make informal communication such as advisories, clarifications, codes of practice to be legally binding on platforms.
This not only exceeds the scope of the parent act but appears aimed at coercing platform compliance and redesign. For instance, if platforms are held liable for Community Notes and similar user-led fact-checking, they will remove the feature. While public pushback has been loud, the draft is only the newest layer in an ‘India Censorship Stack’ that already runs deep. The common principle of that stack is speed without scrutiny, prioritising pace of removal over due process. Hence, the user whose post, or even entire account, vanishes is rarely told why, or provided any real legal remedy to appeal.
Two provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 sit at the heart of this architecture: Section 69A, which governs blocking, and Section 79, which grants platforms safe harbour for user-generated content. Both were upheld in Shreya Singhal v Union of India but only because the Court read in safeguards that MeitY now flagrantly disregards.
Section 69A blocking orders are issued in secrecy, in volume, at velocity. Users who write to MeitY are denied copies of the orders against them. They are summoned to Delhi for meetings without being told what they are alleged to have done wrong. Section 79, meanwhile, has been twisted even further.
Consider the four amendments to the IT Rules, 2021 under Section 79 in sequence. The October 2022 amendment created a Grievance Appellate Committee, which is an executive body sitting in appeal over platform speech decisions and rewrote Rule 3 to require intermediaries to “ensure compliance” with their own terms and make “reasonable efforts” to keep prohibited speech content off their services. Takedown grievance windows shrank to 72 hours.
On the surface, the change was procedural. In substance, it was structural. It converted platforms from passive hosts into active enforcers, and positioned the Union government as the ultimate arbiter of permissible speech. The shift was unmistakable and required platforms to remove more, remove faster, do so under the shadow of government review.
In effect, our speech is being censored by the government via platforms that are meant to carry it.
The April 2023 amendment went further. Tucked alongside online-gaming provisions that were widely welcomed by industry was the fact-checking power under Rule 3(1)(b)(v). It required intermediaries to make “reasonable efforts” not to host speech that, “in respect of any business of the Central Government,” was identified as fake, false or misleading by a fact-check unit designated by the Ministry itself.
Desertions and sidelining are not unusual in any party, but the frequency with which senior leaders have left a young outfit like the AAP is startling. Some left due to ideological differences, some others were upset with Kejriwal’s style of functioning, while a few quit when the AAP could not satisfy their ambitions.
Raghav Chadha and Arvind Kejriwal. Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: The meteoric rise and sudden fall of Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha — the latest among Arvind Kejriwal’s core team to have a fallout with the AAP chief — illustrate a trend that is rarely seen in other established parties.
Desertions and sidelining are not unusual in any party, but the frequency with which senior leaders have left a young outfit like the AAP is startling. Some left due to ideological differences, some others were upset with Kejriwal’s style of functioning, while a few quit when the AAP could not satisfy their ambitions.
The list — starting in at least 2015, the year Kejriwal stormed to power in Delhi — includes Prashant Bhushan, Yogendra Yadav, Kumar Vishwas, Ashutosh, Ashish Khetan, Mayank Gandhi, Alka Lamba, Kapil Mishra, and Naveen Jaihind. Some turned detractors and joined other parties, while others remained critical of but not opposed to the AAP.
Chadha’s name is the latest addition, months after Swati Maliwal, another Rajya Sabha member, snapped ties with the AAP after she alleged that Kejriwal’s aide beat her up when she went to meet him.
Rise and strife
Chadha, now 37, met Kejriwal in his early 20s, as Anna Hazare led the India Against Corruption movement. He was made a national spokesperson when the AAP was subsequently formed. He was also part of a core team that wrote the party’s manifestos and was even treasurer for some time.
Once the AAP was in power, he was appointed financial advisor to then-deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, and was fielded in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which he lost. The next year saw him winning an Assembly seat, and Kejriwal overlooked experienced leaders to make him vice-chairman of Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
When the AAP won Punjab, Kejriwal wanted a trusted hand to watch over Bhagwant Mann. Thus, Chadha was made an advisor to the Punjab CM, eliciting monikers like “Super CM” and allegations of corruption. Nothing impacted Chadha’s rise as he was made a Rajya Sabha member at the age of 33.
Even before his fallout with Kejriwal, Chadha had created ripples in the Rajya Sabha when he was suspended following accusations of putting names of MPs in a motion without their approval, and was even accused of forgery. However, the party stood behind him.
In the Rajya Sabha, one could sense the unease in the AAP ranks as Chadha tried to steal the limelight. When floor leader Sanjay Singh was arrested in a case, there was even an attempt to install Chadha as “interim leader”, but then chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar rejected it. Sources said seniors in the Opposition advised Chadha not to make such ventures.
India’s capital is gearing up to ban non-electric two-wheelers as it looks to tackle chronic smog and high pollution. In other news, PM Modi is campaigning in West Bengal ahead of high-stake elections.
About 67% of Delhi’s vehicle stock is made up of two wheelersImage: Mikhail Tereshchenko/TASS/picture alliance
A new draft policy released by the Delhi government proposes to ban new two-wheelers run on fossil fuels from 2028, in an effort to manage emissions in one of the world’s most polluted cities.
It cites a recent report identifying vehicular emissions as the largest contributor to air pollution in the National Capital Region of Delhi (Delhi NCR), about 23% in winters.
“Two-wheelers constitute approximately 67% of the total vehicle stock in Delhi, making their rapid electrification critical for achieving meaningful reductions in vehicular emissions,” the policy said.
Delhi is regularly cited as one of India’s most polluted cities with thick smog, filled with pollutants, settling over the capital every winter. It has caused lasting health issues in residents and leads to political rows every year.
The draft Delhi Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2026-2030 was uploaded on Saturday for feedback. It will remain available for comments for 30 days after which a final policy will be notified and implemented till 2030.
Here’s what it proposes:
Only electric three-wheelers will be permitted for new registration starting 2027
Only electric two-wheelers will be permitted for new registration starting 2028
30% of all school buses will have to be electric by 2030
New fossil-fuel two wheelers for fleet aggregators in 2026
The policy offers purchase incentives for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers and goods vehicles. It also proposes tax breaks for those buying electric vehicles, including cars.
The Congress Thiruvananthapuram MP said that India should not be concerned with Pakistan’s diplomatic approach and focus on maintaining its own peace and security.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. (Photo: PTI)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday took a direct swipe at Pakistan amid high-stakes US-Iran peace talks being hosted in Islamabad, suggesting that Islamabad’s diplomatic role reflects its unique relationship with Washington and vested regional interests. “Only Pakistan can play the kind of role it has played with the US,” Tharoor said in a satiric tone.
Referring to a now-viral social media post by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed to US President Donald Trump recently, Tharoor questioned the authenticity and origin of the message.
He implied that the wording and structure of the post indicated possible involvement from Washington, remarking that such coordination highlights the kind of diplomatic role only Pakistan appears able to play with the US.
“There have been some allegations that Washington wrote that tweet for the Pakistani PM, because it had the heading, ‘Draft for Pakistan PM’. And the language used was also Washington’s language. Also, some of the phrases were similar to those used by Trump a few hours ago. Only Pakistan can play the kind of role it has played with Washington,” he said while speaking to the media.
Solidifying Tharoor’s claim was a New York Times report earlier this week, according to which Sharif’s public appeal to Trump seeking a deadline extension on Iran and urging a diplomatic pause was not an impromptu move, but part of a coordinated effort that had prior approval from the White House.
A source also said the White House had vetted and cleared Sharif’s statement before it was posted, suggesting that behind-the-scenes diplomatic coordination was significantly more active than publicly indicated.
Tharoor, Congress MP from Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram, also opined that India should not view Pakistan’s involvement in the ceasefire talks as a matter of competition.
He stressed that New Delhi’s primary concern remains peace and stability in the region, regardless of who facilitates it.
“I don’t think there is any need to worry about who brings about the peace. Who brings about the peace won’t matter if peace comes. If peace fails, on the other hand, then we should analyse very carefully the reasons for that failure and see if there is any way that we can contribute to a different outcome,” he said.
Tharoor underlined that Pakistan’s stakes in the ongoing conflict differ significantly from India’s.
He pointed out geographical and demographic factors, including Pakistan’s long border with Iran and its sizeable Shia population, which could be directly affected by any escalation.
“Pakistan shares a 900-km-long border with Iran. Around 4 crore Shia Muslims reside in Pakistan. So, like they say in English ‘Pakistan has skin in the game’. They have a different kind of involvement and stake in these talks. If, say in coming days, Mr Trump decides to hit Iran militarily, where will the refugees head? To Pakistan. So, Pakistan has a stake in this which is very different from that of India,” Tharoor clarified.
The Congress leader also maintained that any attempt by Pakistan to project itself as a peacemaker would need to be backed by credible action against terrorism.
He asserted that dismantling terror infrastructure and acting against extremist elements would be essential for Islamabad to gain genuine international trust.
THE ISLAMABAD TALKS
Meanwhile, the talks in Islamabad have drawn global attention, with senior representatives from both the US, led by Vice President JD Vance, and Iran participating, under the leadership of its Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, amid a fragile ceasefire.
The diplomatic engagement comes at a time of heightened tensions in West Asia, with recent military developments threatening to derail efforts at de-escalation
Tharoor concluded that India must remain actively engaged in regional developments, emphasising that strategic involvement—whether visible or discreet—is crucial to safeguarding national interests and contributing to broader stability.
In the video, Abu Musa Kashmiri appears to link the attack’s aftermath to a boost in Pakistan’s international image.
Security forces inspect the site where militants indiscriminately opened fired on tourists in Pahalgam. Photo : AP
A viral video featuring a top commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has reignited scrutiny over Pakistan’s role in the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir. In the video, Abu Musa Kashmiri can be heard crediting the attack for boosting Pakistan’s global standing and said that it took the country “50 years forward”.
In a viral video, Musa says, “After Bunyan-un-Marsoos, Pakistan’s international image was boosted… I don’t know if the Pahalgam attacks were right or wrong… but the actions that followed in the form of Pakistan’s Bunyan-un-Marsoos, in response to India’s Operation Sindoor, which had failed miserably, have taken our country 50 years forward.”
The remarks come at a time when Pakistan attempts to play peacemaker, hosting ceasefire talks between the US and Iran to end the war in the Middle East. The comments also contradict Islamabad’s consistent denial of involvement in the terror attack. Pakistan had earlier rejected New Delhi’s accusations as “replete with fabrication,” while its armed forces maintained that India had failed to produce evidence.
In a global outreach in the aftermath of the attack, India had exposed Pakistan as a “rogue state” supporting terrorists and laid bare the country’s history of supporting and funding terrorist organisations.
And now comes the grotesque spectacle of terror openly. And the truth of Pahalgam is out.
Pakistan wants to cosplay as a global peacemaker while its terror ecosystem keeps speaking the truth for it.
When UN-sanctioned Lashkar-e-Taiba’s commander, Abu Musa Kashmiri, can openly… pic.twitter.com/PBi8SUX149
Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor
India and Pakistan were locked in a brief but intense military confrontation in May, triggered by a terror attack in the Pahalgam valley of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which claimed 26 innocent lives.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India responded with Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Over 100 terrorists, including high-value targets like Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudasir Ahmed, were successfully eliminated in the operation.
Throughout the period of West Asia conflict, India and the UAE remained in close contact.
Jaishankar Begins First Gulf Visit Since West Asia War Began (Photo: S Jaishankar X Handle)
EAM S Jaishankar held talks with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, in his first visit to the Gulf since the West Asia war began. The two-day visit comes at a crucial time, with ongoing talks between the United States and Iran taking place in Pakistan.
During the meeting, discussions centred on the evolving situation in West Asia and its wider implications. Jaishankar described the interaction as productive, noting that both sides exchanged views on developments in the region.
He also expressed appreciation for the UAE’s efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community living in the country. He said he was confident that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE would continue to grow.
Continued India-UAE coordination
Throughout the period of conflict, India and the UAE remained in close contact. Communication continued at both leadership and foreign minister levels, reflecting strong coordination between the two nations.
Jaishankar began his visit by meeting members of the Indian community in the UAE. He spoke about the Government of India’s efforts to ensure their safety and security during the ongoing crisis. He also acknowledged their contribution to local society and appreciated the support extended by the UAE government.
The External Affairs Minister arrived in the UAE after completing his visit to Mauritius, where he attended the 9th Indian Ocean Conference.
Strait of Hormuz concerns
The ongoing conflict has raised serious concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. The waterway, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, handles around 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Iran’s actions in the region have disrupted shipping and pushed global oil prices higher. While Iran has allowed vessels from friendly countries to pass, uncertainty continues to affect global energy markets. West Asia remains a major source of India’s energy imports, making the situation particularly significant.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited handed over four ALH Mk III (MR) helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard in Bengaluru, meeting delivery timelines under a 2024 contract. The advanced Dhruv helicopters will enhance maritime security with capabilities like surveillance, search and rescue, and coastal operations.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited handed over four ALH Mk III (MR) helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard in Bengaluru.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday handed over four ALH Mk III Maritime Role (MR) helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at an event held in Bengaluru, meeting the delivery timeline and further strengthening the force’s maritime capability.
DIG Rajesh Makwana, TM and Bar, CSO (Aviation) and Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard), attended the event along with Shri PB Rangarao, Chief Executive Officer of HAL’s Helicopter Complex. Helicopter documents were formally handed over by the Office of the Regional Director, Aeronautical Quality Assurance (ORDAQA), and the Helicopter Division to Coast Guard squadrons based in Kochi and Porbandar.
The delivery is part of a contract for nine ALH Mk III (MR) helicopters signed in March 2024. HAL had earlier delivered 16 ALH Mk III (MR) helicopters to the Coast Guard till 2022. An additional order for six more helicopters was signed in March 2026.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest appreciated HAL’s efforts in ensuring timely delivery of the helicopters, noting that it would enhance the ICG’s rotary-wing fleet.
Chauhan, a notorious figure in organised crime, is also wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with multiple cases. He is believed to be a key member of the gang led by Kaushal Chaudhary, who is currently lodged in a Haryana jail.
Most wanted gangster Sahil Chauhan deported from Thailand to India
In a major breakthrough for Indian security agencies, most wanted gangster Sahil Chauhan is being brought to India after being deported from Thailand. According to officials, Chauhan will arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, where he will be taken into custody by the Haryana Special Task Force (STF) immediately upon landing on Saturday.
Chauhan, a notorious figure in organised crime, is also wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with multiple cases. He is believed to be a key member of the gang led by Kaushal Chaudhary, who is currently lodged in a Haryana jail.
Investigators allege that Chauhan played a significant role in orchestrating several contract killings in India while operating from abroad. His activities had made him a high-priority target for law enforcement agencies.
Sources said that Chauhan was recently detained overseas following coordinated efforts by central agencies and the Haryana Police. His deportation marks a crucial step in ongoing attempts to dismantle transnational criminal networks linked to Indian gangs.
Officials added that extensive security arrangements have been put in place at the Delhi airport ahead of his arrival. After being taken into custody, Chauhan is expected to be produced before a court and may be taken to Haryana for further interrogation.
At least 10 tourists, including six women from Punjab, died after a steamer carrying around 30 people capsized in the Yamuna river near Kesi Ghat in Vrindavan on Friday. Mathura DM Chandra Prakash Singh confirmed casualties, while over 10 remain missing. Officials said strong winds and a collision with a pontoon bridge caused the vessel to overturn midstream.
ANI
At least ten tourists, including six women, died after a steamer carrying around 30 people capsized in the Yamuna river in Vrindavan on Friday afternoon. The victims were part of a tourist group from Punjab, officials said.
Mathura District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh confirmed that nine people lost their lives in the incident. More than 10 passengers are still reported missing, raising concerns that the death toll may increase.
The incident took place around 2:45 pm near Kesi Ghat, about 2.5 km from the Banke Bihari temple.
Teams of SDRF and NDRF rushed to the spot and launched a search and rescue operation. Around 50 local divers also joined the effort. A diver identified as Gulab said nearly 15 people had been pulled out of the river, with several in critical condition.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | A boat accident occured on the Yamuna River near Keshi Ghat in Mathura. According to the Police, 22 individuals have been rescued and shifted to hospitals, but investigation is underway to determine how many of them are safe. Further details awaited. pic.twitter.com/kwzlwF0Kkz
Eyewitnesses said strong winds destabilised the steamer midstream. Manohar Lal, a tourist from Jagraon in Ludhiana, said the vessel began swaying due to high wind speed and lost control. It then collided with a pontoon bridge and overturned.
According to weather service Skymet, wind speed in Vrindavan was around 31 km per hour at the time of the incident, which contributed to rough conditions in the river.
Kolkata Dating App Scam: A young man was scammed after meeting a girl from Bumble at a cafe in Kolkata, where he was unexpectedly charged Rs 8,500 for a simple date.
He came for a date. He got surrounded, scammed, and left with an Rs 8500 bill while she walked away laughing. (X)
Kolkata Dating App Scam: A young man, after matching with a girl on the popular dating app Bumble, was invited by her to meet at the Couple Cafe Zone near Ranikuthi, Kolkata — a venue she specifically and deliberately chose. The date seemed to be going smoothly enough. They ordered two coffees and a hookah — a modest, ordinary outing between two people getting to know each other. Nothing seemed unusual. Nothing felt wrong.
Then came the bill. Rs 8,500.
Before the stunned boy could process what was happening, cafe staff had already surrounded him from all sides, forming a quiet wall of intimidation. When he turned to look at the girl for some explanation, some support, some sign that this was a misunderstanding — she was already walking away. Laughing.
It was not a date. It was a carefully orchestrated trap.
Investigators and social media users who have studied similar patterns across Indian cities say this is a textbook case of what is increasingly being called “honey trap billing fraud” — a racket where a planted girl on a dating app lures a target to a pre-arranged cafe, decoy items and premium charges are silently added to the bill without the victim’s knowledge, and cafe staff use physical intimidation and psychological pressure to force payment. The girl, the cafe staff, and the management are all part of the same organized criminal network. The dating app is merely the bait. The cafe is the trap. And the unsuspecting boy, hopeful and trusting, is the target.
This is not an isolated incident. Reports from multiple neighborhoods across Kolkata and other Indian metros suggest this racket has been operating for years, largely in silence, because victims are too embarrassed to report it or are simply unaware that what happened to them was a crime. The shame falls on the boy, while the network walks free to set the trap again.
The incident has gone massively viral, sparking outrage, dark humor, genuine fear, and urgent safety warnings across every major platform.
Netizens React — And They Are Not Holding Back
@Delhi_ka_Rahul_07 “Bhai ne coffee pi aur Rs 8500 ka subscription le liya. Bumble Premium se bhi mahenga pad gaya date.” (Bro had a coffee and walked away with an Rs 8500 subscription. Cost him more than Bumble Premium itself.)
@KolkataDiaries_ “I am from Kolkata and we have been warning people about these so-called couple zone cafes for years. Nobody listens until it happens to them personally. This racket runs deep, it runs organized, and local awareness has been criminally low. The boy is not stupid. He was targeted by professionals.”
@singleandscared2024 “Me before reading this tweet: genuinely excited about my Bumble match in Kolkata, picking an outfit, planning conversation topics. Me after reading this tweet: deleting every dating app, reconsidering human connection as a concept, and seriously evaluating a life of solitude with a cat.”
Safety Checklist Circulating Massively Online
The post has prompted thousands to share a safety guide that is now viral in its own right, being pinned, screenshotted, and forwarded across WhatsApp groups, Instagram stories, and X threads:
Always choose the venue yourself, never let a stranger pick the meeting spot for a first meeting. Pick a well-known, busy, and publicly visible location. Tell a trusted friend or family member exactly where you are going and who you are meeting. Share your live location with at least one person before you leave. If you are ever surrounded or feel physically blocked, call 100 immediately and do so loudly and clearly. Never let embarrassment stop you from asserting your rights. Always ask for an itemized bill and photograph it before paying anything.
The anticipated Rs 99,000 crore agreement for six submarines between Mazagon Docks Limited and Thyssenkrupp will include an Inter-Government Agreement (IGA) between India and Germany, ensuring the German government’s commitment to the deal.
India’s Rs 99,000 crore submarine deal includes Germany-backed IGA, ensuring strong government commitment and oversight (Image: X)
When the Rs 99,000 crore deal for the production of six German submarines in India by Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) is signed, it will, importantly, be accompanied by an Inter-Government Agreement (IGA) between New Delhi and Berlin. Both countries have agreed to have the IGA, it will provide commitment not just by a German firm, but the government in Berlin, highly-placed sources said. “The IGA means that the German government is committing to the contractual obligations and that’s significant,” sources added. The deal, a huge one between MDL and Thyssenkrupp, the German firm, is for building six submarines in Mumbai.
Naturally, clearance by the Union Cabinet is necessary, and the draft cabinet note has already been circulated, with the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and the finance ministry also having to look at it before the defence ministry readies the final version. Then, only clearance by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be necessary. After cabinet clearance, likely in a few months, the IGA and the contract between Thyssenkrupp and MDL can be readied.
The decision to go with the Germans came after the Navy examined the submarine, and also, the one the Spanish had offered. These are AIP or Air Independent Propulsion submarines, which can stay underwater for considerably longer periods, and are detected with more difficulty compared with a diesel-electric submarine, their “acoustic signature,” being lower. These six submarines will be the first AIP versions the Indian Navy will have. Pakistan already has the French-made Agosta submarine which has AIP capabilities and is acquiring eight Hangor class ones from China. Four will be made in China, and four in Karachi.
Over 11,000 litres of milk was poured into the Narmada River during a ritual, sparking outrage over malnutrition, resource wastage, and environmental concerns in Madhya Pradesh.
Over 11,000 litres of milk poured into Narmada River sparks debate on faith, malnutrition, and environmental impact in Madhya Pradesh.
Over 11,000 litres of milk — reportedly worth Rs 6 to 7 lakh — was poured into the Narmada River from a heavy tanker in an act of religious faith. The offering was made by a religious guru, Dada Ji Dhunivale Baba, at the conclusion of a 21-day ritual at the Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple in Bherunda tehsil, Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh. Aerial drone shots captured the moment, and the same went viral on social media, with many questioning the act, saying that in a state where malnutrition is so high, could this milk have been used differently? A few also questioned that adding milk to a river is “not a natural thing” and it would also affect the ecosystem.
🇮🇳 India Today:
A staggering 11,000 liters of milk were dumped into the Narmada River to “honor” a cricketer named Abhishek, a brilliant move in a nation where millions face chronic starvation.
While the “fans” celebrated, the river’s ecosystem took the hit:
In a country where 80 crore people survive on government rations, 10,000 liters of milk are poured into the Narmada River in the name of religion.
This river is home to 170+ fish species fish that cannot even survive in milk. A fish would die within minutes if placed in it.… pic.twitter.com/2MoT0WMiIm
What Stats Say
According to National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21), conducted by India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 35.5 per cent of children under five in India are stunted, 19.3 per cent are wasted, and 32.1 per cent are underweight. And Madhya Pradesh consistently figures among the worst-performing states on stunting, wasting and underweight indicators, alongside Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh, according to NFHS-5 data published by the International Institute of Population Sciences under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The state’s malnutrition rate stands at 7.79 per cent against a national average of 5.40 per cent, according to Dainik Bhaskar — with 1.36 lakh children currently battling the condition. Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/narmada-river-milk-offering-in-madhya-pradesh-sehore-1000-litres-into-the-narmada-1-36-lakh-children-going-without-fight-malnutrition-article-154047277
India doesn’t see ties as transactions but as enduring bonds, said EAM S Jaishankar in Mauritius.
India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar at the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius
India does not see ties as transactions but as “enduring bonds” and the country will “always stand” with Mauritius as a trusted partner, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said here on Friday.
The minister, addressing an event, also said the world is today going through a period of “deep turbulence and uncertainty” and asserted that in such times, “partnerships like ours become more important”.
Jaishankar, who is in Mauritius to attend the 9th Indian Ocean Conference, inaugurated a renal transplant unit at the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi says that Mauritius is not a partner; Mauritius is part of family,” said the EAM.
Sharing a message from Modi, Jaishankar said, “Ye ‘dil ka rishta’ hai, one that is not just reflected in words, but in also in meaningful action.”
“The inauguration of the first dedicated renal transplant unit of Mauritius is indeed a landmark achievement. It is not just a medical milestone, it is a moment of hope,” the EAM said.
Listing out various initiatives, Jaishankar said, “A 100 km pipeline replacement will improve water security across the island. A new Forensic Sciences Laboratory to strengthen modern investigation capabilities. A National Archives and Library will preserve your heritage for future generations. A Mauritius Police Academy will enhance training and professionalism in law enforcement. And our e-judiciary initiative will make the legal system more efficient, transparent, and credible.”
Jaishankar also made a reference to the security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region and conveyed to Mauritius that “your security is our security”.
“As a large ocean state, Mauritius faces unique challenges. India remains committed as a maritime partner. Our vessels from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard work alongside the Mauritian National Coast Guard in guarding your waters, and we continue to assist Mauritius in EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) surveillance, because your security is our security,” he said.
“But we are also looking beyond the ocean surface, quite literally, to the skies. India and Mauritius are jointly developing a satellite, which we expect to launch very soon,” he said.
“This is not just any satellite. It will carry a multi-spectral imager payload, supporting Earth observation applications across agriculture, forestry, ecosystem monitoring, weather forecasting, and coastal observation,” the EAM added.
“For a country like Mauritius, with its dependence on its natural environment and its vulnerability to climate events, this kind of capability will be genuinely transformative,” he said.
The EAM thanked Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam for his leadership and commitment to “strengthening this special partnership”.
“The world is today going through a period of deep turbulence and uncertainty. In such times, partnerships like ours become more important. We do not see ties as transactions, but as enduring bonds. And as a trusted partner, India will always stand with Mauritius,” he said.
Jaishankar in his address also underscored the centuries-old cultural ties between the two countries.
“Now, many of you I know have ancestral links with India, but what is for us truly inspiring is how these roots have grown into something uniquely Mauritian because you have not just preserved what was brought here, you have made it your own,” he said.
Mauritius is a former British and French colony that gained independence from the British rule in 1968.
Under the nearly century-long French rule (in the year 1729), the first Indians were brought to Mauritius from the Puducherry region, to work as artisans and masons.
According to ISRO, the sequence begins with two apex cover separation parachutes, which remove the protective cover of the parachute compartment.
10 parachutes of four different types were deployed in a predetermined order.
As human spaceflight once again captures global attention, India is methodically advancing its own carefully calibrated journey towards sending astronauts into orbit. On Friday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) of the Gaganyaan Crew Module at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, a crucial step in validating how Indian astronauts, or Gaganyatris, will return safely to Earth after enduring the searing “trial by fire” of atmospheric re-entry.
The test focused on one of the most critical and unforgiving phases of any human space mission: descent and landing. In this phase, human lives depend entirely on the flawless performance of a complex parachute-based deceleration system. For the Gaganyatris, their survival will quite literally “hang by a thread”, the nylon cords of 10 indigenously designed and manufactured parachutes.
During IADT-02, a simulated Crew Module weighing about 5.7 tonnes, equivalent to the mass planned for the first un-crewed Gaganyaan mission (G1), was airlifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter to an altitude of approximately three kilometres. Once positioned over a designated sea drop zone near the Sriharikota coast, the module was released into free fall over the Bay of Bengal.
ISRO says what followed was a precisely choreographed sequence that tested not just engineering, but trust. 10 parachutes of four different types were deployed in a predetermined order, gradually reducing the speed of the falling Crew Module to ensure a controlled and safe splashdown. Against the backdrop of the open sea, the expanding parachutes created a striking visual display, a fleeting celestial rangoli, even as engineers tracked every fraction of descent velocity.
ISRO said the test successfully validated the crew module’s parachute-based deceleration system, demonstrating end-to-end performance in realistic conditions. After touchdown, the Crew Module was safely recovered from the sea in a coordinated operation involving the Indian Navy, marking the successful completion of the test.
Gaganyaan is India’s single most expensive scientific experiment, with costs exceeding Rs 10,000 crore, and the IADT-02 test once again highlighted how national capabilities are being pooled for the mission. Along with ISRO, the test saw active participation from the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Coast Guard.
The parachute system being validated is entirely swadeshi. According to DRDO scientists, this is the first time an integrated 10-parachute system of this scale and complexity has been developed in India. Extensive simulations and ground tests preceded the air drop, but real-world validation was essential because human safety is unforgiving of theoretical errors.
An officer from the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, India’s premier parachute technology laboratory, noted that the test also helps engineers understand how the system would behave under adverse or off-nominal conditions. Such scenarios could include a mission abort shortly after launch, when altitude and reaction time are severely limited.
In an actual Gaganyaan mission, the Crew Module will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere at extreme speeds after spending days in orbit. The initial parachutes are designed to deploy at altitudes between 7 and 11 kilometres, when the module would still be travelling at nearly 700 kilometres per hour, comparable to a passenger aircraft at cruising speed. Through sequential aerodynamic braking using ten parachutes, this speed is gradually reduced by nearly 25 times before splashdown.
Even with full deceleration, the Crew Module will still strike the sea at around 30 kilometres per hour, an impact that the astronauts must be physically prepared to endure. In the final moments of descent, their lives will depend entirely on the integrity of the parachute system.
According to ISRO, the sequence begins with two apex cover separation parachutes, which remove the protective cover of the parachute compartment. These are followed by two drogue parachutes that stabilise and slow the module. Subsequently, three pilot chutes extract three main parachutes, each opening individually. While two main parachutes are sufficient for a safe landing, the third provides redundancy. The largest of these chutes spans a massive 25 metres in diameter, and all are manufactured in India using indigenous textile material.
After landing, the Crew Module is recovered from roughly five kilometres off the Sriharikota coast and brought ashore for detailed evaluation.
The mission’s tenth day brought the biggest challenge – a high-stakes re-entry into the Earth’s orbit at speeds reaching 40,000 kilometres per hour and temperatures of 2,760 degrees Celsius.
The Artemis II mission splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean early on Saturday.
Putting the Artemis 1 heat shield erosion fears behind, the Artemis II mission splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean early on Saturday, bringing home four astronauts and entering a several firsts and records in the books of history.
Following a brief but nerve-wracking communications blackout during re-entry, mission commander Reid Wiseman’s voice triggered relief that the astronauts were well on their way back home. “Houston. Integrity. We have you loud and clear,” he said following a voice check from mission control.
Three Americans and one Canadian – Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen and Weisman – were on the historic 10-day voyage that aims to eventually install sustained presence on the Moon, including a base. It was the first lunar flyby in over five decades. But this only the first of firsts of this mission.
2,760 Degrees Celsius, 40,000 Kilometres Per Hours: Re-Entry Riskiest Part Of Mission
In a mission that saw smooth sailing over nine days, its tenth day brought the biggest and most keenly-watched challenge – a high-stakes re-entry into the Earth’s orbit at speeds reaching 40,000 kilometres per hour and temperatures of 2,760 degrees Celsius.That is at the maximum a speed 30 times the speed of sound and temperatures half as hot as the surface of the Sun.
Ground control in Houston witnessed tensions as the Orion capsule became engulfed in red-hot plasma during peak temperatures, with all hopes pinned on the efficacy of the life-protecting heat shield during the six-minute blackout. Parachutes were deployed, Weisman’s voice crackled through comms and appluase broke in the control room upon successful re-entry where the astronauts’ families were also present
During the uncrewed 2022 Artemis 1 test flight to the Moon, a crucial heat shield eroded in unexpected ways, making the shield’s charred exterior resemble the Moon. A steeper and shorter trajectory was mapped for the re-entry to reduce risks.
A Diverse Crew
The mission, which saw Koch being the first woman, Glover being the first person of colour and Hansen being the first non-American on a Moon voyage. NASA’s Apollo missions in the 1960s and 70s has crews comprising white American men. And this comes even as the US President Donald Trump, in his radical cuts, dismantled diversity and inclusion policies at federal agencies.
4,000 Miles Ahead Of Apollo 13
The crew on board Artemis II became the farthest to travel away from the Earth, going over 6,400 kilometres farther that the 1970 Apollo 13 mission. They reached 4,06,771 kilometers away from the Earth in the flyby around the Moon. Though Hansen wants this generation to ensure the record is short-lived.
‘Earthset’, Eclipse, Meteorites And The Dark Side
Thousands of photographs now adorn the portfolio of images taken by the crew while on mission, among them a remarkable shot called the “Earthset”, which shows the harsh crater-filled surface of the moon in the foreground and a delicate arc of the Earth in the background. The photo serves as a reminder of the “Earthrise”, the first colour photograph to be taken from space on the Christmas Eve in 1968. It showed the illuminated Earth above the Moon’s stark horizon, and continues to be one of the most iconic space photos.
Flashes of light visible to the crew were meteorite strikes on the lunar surface, while a solar eclipse from space appeared to them as Glover put it a sight “humans probably have not evolved to see what we’re seeing”. The Moon appeared to them as a black orb surrounded by a halo of light
Astronauts saw for the first time what only robots had captured – the far side of the Moon. The Artemis II mission flew at an unprecedented altitude of some 4,000 miles behind the Moon’s far side.
Emotions Ran High
Among the mission’s most heart-tugging scene was when the teary astronauts asked permission to name a pair of craters after their moonship and Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll.
What Did The Astronauts Eat?
A menu comprising 189 items was available during their mission, including 10 different beverages like coffee and smoothies. Common food items included tortillas, nuts, barbeque beef brisket, cauliflower, macaroni and cheese, butternut squash, cookies, and chocolate.
Menu selections were developed with space food experts and the crew to balance calorie needs, hydration, and nutrient intake while accommodating individual preferences.
What The Mission Achieved
“We are back in the business of sending astronauts to the moon, bringing them back safely and to set up for a series more,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said Friday from the recovery ship. “This is just the beginning.”
As the first crewed flight for the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft, it paved the way for a US return to the lunar surface – this time with the ambition of establishing a sustained human presence there and laying the groundwork for future missions to Mars. Astronauts conducted tests to evaluate systems, procedures and performance in deep space. Manual and automated spacecraft operations were monitored, Orion’s life-support, propulsion and navigation systems were evaluated, and scientific studies, like lunar surface observations and human health assessment, were conducted to prepare for future missions.
Further, the mission aimed to demonstrate emergency system capabilities and validate associated operations to the extent practical, such as abort operations and rescue procedures.
NASA is making these efforts as China works to send humans to the Moon by 2030. Thus far, Washington has relied on international partners in its lunar efforts — including from Europe, Canada and Japan – though Trump’s return to the White House has cast doubt on the program’s collaborations in the future.
Sri Nanda, a Class 10 student and a native of Palakkad in Kerala, was on a family trip in Karnataka with around 40 relatives.
The girl’s family expressed suspicion that she had been kidnapped.
A 14-year-old girl from Kerala who went missing during a family trip to the Chandradrona hill range in Karnataka was found dead – four days after an intensive search by the police, with her family suspecting a case of kidnapping.
Sri Nanda, a Class 10 student and a native of Palakkad in Kerala, was on a family trip in Karnataka with around 40 relatives. According to the police, they had visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hampi in the North Karnataka region and arrived in Chikkamagaluru city at 3 pm on April 7. They then travelled in private jeeps to a shrine and later went for a hike to a tourist spot in the Chandradrona hills on April 7.
The girl was seen in a video with one of her family members on the day of the hike.
However, around 6 pm – as the darkness set in, the girl went missing.
According to her family, they had last seen her in the Manikyadhara region of the hills.
Despite continuous search efforts by family members initially, she could not be traced, prompting a police complaint.
The cops immediately launched a search operation in the deep ghat sections and steep terrains of the hills. Officials used ropes to access difficult areas, while drone surveillance had also been deployed during night operations. Four days after a continuous search, Sri Nanda’s body was found in the valley, nearly 1,500 feet below the Manikyadhara viewpoint
The girl’s family expressed suspicion that she had been kidnapped.
“One argument is that the girl was kidnapped, while another suggests that she may have gone away with someone. Such opinions are being expressed, but the truth will be known once she is traced,” Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said.
Although authorities launched the search operation immediately and used modern equipment such as thermal cameras and drones, no clues were found initially, which raised suspicions. Officials are probing all angles and verifying whether she slipped from the mountain or if there is any other reason behind the incident, they said.
The defence ministry is expected to issue the Request For Proposal (RFP) to French jet maker Dassault in May, and contract negotiations will begin thereafter.
Rafale Fighter played a huge role in destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025.
India will ensure that indigenously developed missiles and weapons systems can be integrated into the 114 Rafale fighters it plans to buy, people familiar with the matter said.
It will do so by insisting on a so-called interface control document (ICD) in the government to government contract on the “buy and make” deal, they added, asking not to be named.
The defence ministry is expected to issue the Request For Proposal (RFP) to French jet maker Dassault next month, and contract negotiations will begin after that. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the deal on February 12.
The people cited above said the plan is to “hardwire” ICD into the final contract for the ₹3.25 lakh crore mega deal. ICD is a critical system engineering document that controls and defines all the vital protocols between a system and sub-systems. According to the proposal cleared by DAC, 18 fighters will be delivered in fly away condition from France while remaining 96 will be manufactured in India with indigenous content of over 25%.
Amidst reports that the mega deal has hit a hurdle with French Rafale manufacturer Dassault refusing to hand over “source code” of the fighter to India, top defence ministry officials confirmed to Hindustan Times that no country offers up these proprietary software codes (which control the radars, electronic warfare suite and weapon integration) to any third country and the deal remains well on track. The “source codes” virtually control the entire fighter including avionics, target tracking, flight control, weapon launch and weapons release algorithms. The code is the intellectual property of the original equipment manufacturer, which is not shared even with the closest of allies, the officials added.
While India’s long term strategic ally Russia has offered two squadrons of fifth generation Su-57 to Indian Air Forces and is involved in upgrading the existing Su-30 MKI fighter fleet with state-owned HAL, it has never shared or offered to share source codes of either of these fighters, HT learns. The same holds true for American aircraft manufacturers with Indian transport fleet and attack helicopter fleet made up of US aerial platforms.
Pawan Khera moved the Telangana High Court after the Assam Police filed a case against him over allegations made against the Assam chief minister and his wife.
The Telangana High Court reserved its order for Friday.
Congress leader Pawan Khera’s pre-arrest bail hearing in the Telangana High Court over a complaint filed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma turned heated on Thursday, with lawyers of both sides using phrases like “constitutional cowboys” and “international khiladi” to make their arguments before the court.
Pawan Khera, a Congress spokesperson, moved the high court after the Assam Police filed a case against him over his allegation that Sarma and his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma possessed clandestine foreign passports and overseas assets.
Based on a complaint by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the police filed charges of forgery, cheating, criminal intimidation, conspiracy, and defamation against the Congress leader.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Pawan Khera, alleged that the FIR had been loaded with every possible charge to exert pressure on a political opponent. He argued that even if the Congress leader’s statements turned out to be wrong, the case was one of defamation, and there was no reason to arrest him.
He said that the politician was ready to cooperate.
“Khera is not absconding. He is ready to cooperate. He came to this court only because he was in Hyderabad with his wife when he learnt about the FIR,” Singhvi said.
Attacking the Assam government’s action, Singhvi argued: “If you start arresting people for this, it will become a jungle raj”.
“We are not living in the age of constitutional cowboys, pulling out powers from the holster and sending 100 policemen from Assam for what is essentially a defamation complaint,” he added.
Responding strongly to Singhvi’s arguments, Assam’s Advocate General Devajit Saikia contended that his state wasn’t a “banana republic”. He argued that Khera should have moved a court in Assam or Delhi — where the Congress leader resides — instead of approaching the Telangana High Court.
The PFBR marks a technological leap from India’s first-stage reactors, the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), which form the backbone of the country’s nuclear fleet.
After more than two decades of painstaking scientific effort, India has crossed one of the most consequential milestones in its civil nuclear programme. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu has achieved first criticality, the moment when a sustained nuclear fission reaction is established.
With this, India decisively advances into the second stage of its three-stage nuclear power programme, a vision first articulated by the Father of India’s atomic program Dr Homi J Bhabha more than half a century ago.
Calling the achievement historic, Dr Sreekumar G Pillai, Director of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam said the moment represents far more than the commissioning of a reactor.
The massive pink-coloured building next to the Bay of Bengal houses a major technological breakthrough, glimpses of which NDTV got during rare access to the facility.
“This attainment of the first criticality of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor is a defining milestone in India’s nuclear power programme,” Dr Pillai told NDTV. “It represents the realization of the visionary three-stage nuclear programme conceived by Dr Bhabha, aimed at ensuring long-term energy security through optimal utilization of limited uranium and vast thorium resources.”
Sreekumar G Pillai, Director of Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam Photo Credit: Pallava Bagla
The PFBR, located at Kalpakkam, is the country’s first commercial-scale fast breeder reactor and among the very few such reactors operating anywhere in the world. With Russia being the only other country running a commercial fast breeder reactor at Yekaterinburg, India now joins an extremely exclusive technological club.
A Project Built on Institutional Memory
The PFBR is the product of sustained institutional effort spanning generations of scientists, engineers and policymakers. According to Dr Pillai, the achievement would not have been possible without consistent political backing and scientific leadership.
“This achievement has been made possible due to the sustained support and guidance of the Government of India,” he said. “The leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and the proactive role of the Prime Minister’s Office have ensured policy continuity, strategic direction and timely decision making.”
He also credited Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Atomic Energy, for strengthening programme execution, and acknowledged the role of former and current leaders of the Department of Atomic Energy.
“The scientific leadership of Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty has been instrumental in guiding the Department of Atomic Energy towards advanced reactor deployment and closure of the second-stage fuel cycle,” Dr Pillai said. “The visionary contributions of Dr Anil Kakodkar were fundamental in shaping and advancing the fast breeder reactor programme.”
Why It Took 20 Years
The PFBR project has often been described as delayed. Dr Pillai rejects that framing, calling the journey a necessary learning curve.
“We were waiting for this moment for the last 10 to 15 years,” he said. “There were a number of difficulties which we faced, mainly with respect to handling sodium at high temperature, materials reliability, control systems and sensors which had to be developed for a high-temperature sodium environment.”
Liquid sodium is used as the coolant in fast breeder reactors. It allows efficient heat transfer but reacts violently with water and air, demanding extraordinary engineering precision.
“This was the first time such equipment was being designed and operated at this scale in the country,” Dr Pillai explained. “It required elaborate testing and generation of data where no past experience was available.”
The commissioning phase also took longer than anticipated. “During testing, we had to generate large amounts of data. This data does not exist in international literature and cannot be obtained from any other reactor,” he said.
Far from being a setback, Dr Pillai described the process as invaluable learning. “I would say it is a learning experience. It has generated knowledge that is unique to India.”
Fast And Breeder, Explained Simply
The PFBR marks a technological leap from India’s first-stage reactors, the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), which form the backbone of the country’s nuclear fleet.
“In the first stage, PHWRs use natural uranium,” Dr Pillai said. “During operation, they also produce plutonium-239, which is not available naturally.”
That plutonium is recovered through reprocessing and used as fuel in the fast breeder reactor.
“Fast reactors operate in a fast neutron spectrum. The neutrons are not slowed down,” he explained. “The unique advantage is that the reactor produces more fissile material than what is fed into it.”
This is why it is called a breeder reactor.
“The breeding ratio is greater than one,” Dr Pillai said. “What you feed into the reactor, you get more Plutonium out of it.”
To a lay audience, the concept sounds almost magical. Burning fuel and ending up with more fuel than you started with.
“It is a real thing,” Dr Pillai said. “With the current oxide fuel, we expect a breeding ratio of about 1.03 to 1.05. With metallic fuels under research, it can go even higher.”
The Closed Fuel Cycle Advantage
India’s success with fast breeders is inseparable from its mastery of the closed fuel cycle.
“Plutonium is not available naturally,” Dr Pillai said. “All thermal reactors produce plutonium, but only countries that reprocess spent fuel can use it for fast breeder reactors.”
India has built indigenous reprocessing capability over decades, starting in the early 1960s.
“We started reprocessing activities in the early 1960s,” Dr Pillai said. “From Trombay to Tarapur and Kalpakkam, we have matured the PUREX process and scaled it up.”
Today, India has sufficient reprocessing capacity to support the PFBR and the next set of fast reactors.
“There is no issue of plutonium availability,” he said. “The PFBR itself will generate enough spent fuel to support FBR-1 and FBR-2.”
Safety and Regulation
Safety concerns often arise because fast reactors use liquid sodium. Dr Pillai was categorical in his reassurance.
“IGCAR has decades of experience in handling sodium,” he said. “We have developed sensors, materials and special powders to mitigate risks.”
The PFBR follows the defence-in-depth philosophy used globally in nuclear safety. “There are multiple layers of containment to ensure sodium remains within the system,” he explained.
India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board played a key role. “There were no international safety codes available for fast reactors at this scale,” Dr Pillai said. “AERB was fully involved in developing safety guides and regulatory requirements.”
What Comes Next
With first criticality achieved, the reactor will now go through physics experiments and gradual power escalation under regulatory oversight. “It may take six to eight months to reach commercial power production,” Dr Pillai said.
Preparatory work for two more fast breeder reactors, FBR-1 and FBR-2, at Kalpakkam is already underway.
“All lessons learned from PFBR will be incorporated,” he said. “This will significantly reduce construction and commissioning time.”
Gateway to Thorium and Energy Independence
Perhaps the most profound significance of PFBR lies in what it enables next. India has limited uranium but vast thorium reserves. “When thorium is used as a blanket material in fast breeder reactors, it produces uranium-233,” Dr Pillai explained. “That is the fuel for the third stage.
This makes PFBR the essential bridge to India’s long-term energy future. “Yes, this milestone will help India attain energy independence in the long run,” he said.
Often the PFBR is described as the ‘Akshay Patra of Energy’, the mythical vessel of endless sustenance. Dr Pillai agreed.
“Once the PFBR reaches equilibrium, there is no need to look for fuel from external sources,” he said. “The reactor sustains itself and generates excess fuel. It truly is an Akshay Patra.”
In an era of climate change, PFBR also offers low-carbon baseload electricity. “This is a stepping stone towards achieving net zero by 2070,” Dr Pillai said.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, after more than 20 years in the state, said he is voluntarily moving to Delhi to serve as a Rajya Sabha member. He announced plans to hand over Bihar’s administration to new leaders, with NDA likely forming the next government by April 15. Vijay Chaudhary reaffirmed following the ‘Nitish model’ in Bihar.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar | File Photo
In a bid to scotch all speculations that he is moving to Rajya Sabha unwillingly, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday said that he worked in Bihar for a long time and now he was returning to Delhi.
After reaching Delhi from Patna to take oath as a Rajya Sabha member on Friday, Nitish said, “I have accomplished a great deal of work there (in Bihar) over these many years… More than 20 years. Now, I will work here (Delhi). I have decided that I will live here and relinquish the role (the post of Chief Minister) there.”
“I have left that place (Bihar) to come here… I will hand it over to new people. I have done so much work there… Now I felt a desire to stay right here, and that is exactly what I am doing. Within three or four days, we will set things in motion for a new arrangement (formation of a new government) in Bihar,” he remarked.
Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar says, “I have come to take the oath… we have been there (Bihar) for over 20 years, and once again, we will be here (Delhi).” pic.twitter.com/MDmOxiiBxQ
To a query on the future role of his son, Nishant Kumar, Nitish said that his party leaders would provide details concerning him.
Meanwhile, senior JD (U) leader and Bihar minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated: “The new government in Bihar will be formed by the NDA, and it will function strictly along the path laid out by Nitish-ji. For the past 20 years, Bihar has progressed by following the ‘Nitish model’. We must carry forward the legacy of Nitish Kumar.”
Ahead of West Bengal polls, PM Modi promised BJP will restore law and order, hold corrupt officials accountable, implement the 7th Pay Commission, boost fishery schemes, and grant refugees constitutional rights while driving out infiltrators. He criticised TMC for inaction and illegal arms production. Mamata Banerjee called BJP ‘autocratic’ and vowed to protect genuine voters.
PM Modi Promises 6 Guarantees Ahead Of West Bengal Assembly Elections | ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made six big guarantees to the people of Bengal at several election campaigns ahead of Assembly elections in the state.
Speaking at multiple venues for the election campaigns, Modi mentioned that the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government will replace the atmosphere of ‘fear’ with ‘trust’.
Modi also stated that the union government had taken steps to boost the fisheries and mentioned that the Bengal government didn’t implement it.
हल्दिया की धरती से पश्चिम बंगाल के विकास और सोनार बांग्ला के संकल्प के साथ पीएम मोदी की 6 गारंटियां…
“Everywhere there is ‘Make in India’ products but in Bengal crude bombs and illegal arms are being made. There is no industry here. There is an increase in fish production supported by the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana. But TMC has a problem with it because it carries the ‘PM’ tag. What Nandigram did with Mamata five years back, this year the same magic will be seen in Bhabanipur,” Modi added.
Modi’s guarantee
1. BJP will restore faith in the rule of law.
2. Under a BJP government, the administrative machinery will be accountable, fully answerable, to the public it serves.
3. The files regarding every scam, every act of corruption, every injustice committed against our daughters, and every case of rape will be reopened.
4. Under the TMC’s rule, whoever has engaged in corruption belongs in jail. Be it a minister or a watchman, the law will hold everyone to account. No TMC goon will be able to evade the law any longer.
5. After BJP forms government in Bengal then they will implement the 7th Pay Commission.
6. Refugees will be granted every right and privilege guaranteed by the Constitution. However, infiltrators will be driven out and will not be permitted to remain in India.
Health teams have launched an investigation, collected samples, and provided preventive treatment to over 200 others who consumed the snacks.
Representational image
In a suspected case of food poisoning, nearly 100 people fell ill after consuming a local snack at a religious programme in a village in Ahmedabad district, an official said on Thursday.
Dr Chintan Desai, district epidemic medical officer, said 96 residents of Rajpura village were taken to hospital in the wee hours of Thursday after they fell sick on consuming ‘sev-khamani’ (a Gujarati snack) at the religious event on Wednesday night.
He said while 38 of the affected people were still admitted to the hospital, others were discharged after treatment.
All those hospitalised are in stable condition, Desai informed.
A health department team rushed to the village after cases of vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea were reported in the wee hours.
Apart from the 96 people who were taken to the hospital, 214 other villagers who consumed the snack were given preventive treatment, Desai said.
The police in Andhra Pradesh arrested a 38-year-old single mother, who allegedly recruited 42 women through IS-linked online groups. The police said Sayeeda Begum, who is also an Instagram influencer, was being groomed to head a women’s terror wing called “Khawateen”.
The police said, Sayeeda Begum was an active member of online groups promoting videos of Osama Bin Laden and Zakir Naik. (Image: Generative AI/ Author)
The Andhra Pradesh Police arrested 38-year-old Sayeeda Begum, a single mother from Hyderabad with 38,000 Instagram followers, for her alleged role in an interstate terror module.
Police said she was involved in online radicalisation and the recruitment of young people across several states, reported news agency PTI.
After nabbing Sayeeda on March 25, the Vijayawada Police uncovered that there were allegedly plans to form a separate women’s wing of a terror outfit called “Khawateen” and make her its leader. The plan was to train women recruits in the use of firearms, sniper rifles, and explosives to carry out attacks across India. Sayeeda, who also worked as a domestic help, is suspected of assisting terrorists in recruiting women into the network, and she had recruited 42 women, according to a report in Hyderabad-based newspaper, Deccan Chronicle.
According to the FIR, Sayeeda was an active member of online groups promoting videos of al-Qaeda terrorist Osama Bin Laden and the speeches of radical Islamic preachers like Zakir Naik and Israr Ahmed. It also noted that the online groups propagated materials and videos related to ISIS and al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).
An intelligence official told the news agency PTI that the group Sayeeda was operating with had links to Pakistani handlers and terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Sayeeda operated with Rahamathullah Sharif, the prime accused, who reportedly was in charge of the group, and his associates, who were also arrested in March.
Sayeeda has denied all the allegations put forward by the police, and her lawyer says she did not create groups but was added to them without her knowledge. According to the police, Sayeeda told them that she had received a link on Instagram and WhatsApp some 7-8 months ago, which turned out to be from a religious group posting videos promoting ISIS.
An intelligence officer told The Hindu newspaper that “Sayeeda Begum is a native of Chanchalguda of Hyderabad. She was deserted by her husband. She was staying with her parents, along with her six-year-old son”.
The India Express newspaper reported, citing an investigating officer, that Sayeeda encouraged members of her online groups to share “jihadi” videos and literature.
Sayeeda lived with her parents and her young child in a modest two-room rented house in Hyderabad’s Chanchalguda area.
“She worked as a domestic help in two or three homes to support her family,” a neighbour of Sayeeda told The Indian Express. The neighbour also described her as reserved and that she kept to herself and rarely interacted with others. “Her mother had once mentioned that she spent most of her time on her phone,” he added.
Sayeeda was married to a painter, and after their son was born, she never returned to her husband and divorced him four years ago.
To support herself and her parents, she started working as a domestic help. She first started making Reels about preparing food at her house.
Shashi Tharoor argued Pakistan is acting as a US-aligned ‘diplomatic fig leaf’ in the Iran conflict, likely providing cover for Washington while facilitating talks.
Pakistan, which is projected to have played the role of a mediator between the US and Iran to end the war in West Asia, is in fact serving as a diplomatic “fig leaf”, a cover to help Washington avoid an embarrassing endgame, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, pointing to signals from Islamabad that appeared closely aligned with US messaging.
“Now it seems Pakistan is the fig leaf that the two countries have resorted to,” Tharoor said, aligning with the argument that the real negotiations and decisions may be driven by other parties, with Pakistan providing diplomatic cover.
According to Tharoor, who spoke to India Today on the West Asia crisis, there is “every reason to imagine that Pakistan is kind of a diplomatic fig leaf”.
“Because the prime minister of Pakistan issued a tweet in which he clearly was pasting, cutting and pasting a draft sent from Washington using the same language that President Trump’s communications was using,” he added, backing his argument.
Following the ceasefire announcement on Wednesday, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefly posted a message on X with the heading “Draft – Pakistan’s PM Message on X”, prompting speculation that it may have originated in Washington. Although the label was quickly removed, the wording remained unchanged.
However, Tharoor, who spent three decades at the United Nations, also noted that Pakistan may hold certain advantages in the current context, including a willingness to provide diplomatic cover that allows both the US and Iran to de-escalate without appearing to concede directly to each other.
On India’s role, Tharoor argued that New Delhi must step in, even if mediation efforts are routed through Pakistan. “But even then, it doesn’t matter because, for us, we have a sense of regional responsibility,” he said.
“If Pakistan can play that role in a way that others can’t, why should we resent that?” the Congress MP asked, calling for a “statesmanlike attitude”. He stressed that the war has directly impacted India’s economy and energy security, adding, “Life is not always a zero-sum game.”
Officials said a foreign-based handler ran the module, raising cross-border concerns. Top police officials called the operation a “major breakthrough,” underscoring its seriousness.
The cache of arms recovered from the two arrested persons included grenades, detonators and IED material.
In a major counter-terror operation, the Punjab Police on Thursday announced that it had busted a terror module linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), allegedly backed by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and with suspected links to extremist networks including ISIS. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.
The joint operation was carried out by teams from Amritsar Rural Police, Gurdaspur Police, and the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, in coordination with central agencies.
According to officials, the module was being operated by a foreign-based handler, raising concerns about cross-border coordination and support.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav described the operation as a “major breakthrough,” highlighting the scale and seriousness of the threat.
“In a major breakthrough, District Amritsar Rural, District Gurdaspur, SSOC-Amritsar, in a joint operation with Central Agencies, busts an ISI-sponsored BKI terror module operated by a foreign-based handler and arrests two accused,” Yadav said.
Police recovered a significant cache of arms and explosive materials from the accused. The seizure included five hand grenades, two special detonators, a push-to-talk (PTT) timer equipped with coder and decoder, a 9V battery, and approximately 1 kg of high explosive material packed with nails, indicative of an improvised explosive device (IED).
Additionally, a Baofeng walkie-talkie along with a cable and trigger mechanisms was recovered.
“Significant recoveries include: 5 hand grenades, 2 special detonators, a PTT timer with coder & decoder, 9V battery, IED material (1 kg high explosive packed with nails), 1 Baofeng walkie-talkie with cable & trigger mechanism indicating preparations for high-impact attacks aimed at disturbing public peace,” the senior cop said.
Officials stated that the nature of the materials recovered suggests the suspects were planning high-impact attacks intended to disrupt peace and stability in the region.
The case has been registered at Kalanaur police station in Gurdaspur under relevant provisions of the Explosive Substances Act.
Further investigations are underway to trace the network’s forward and backward linkages, including identifying foreign handlers and any local support systems.
Authorities are also probing potential connections with other extremist outfits to assess the broader security implications.
The major anti-terror operation comes just days after a grenade attack took place outside the Punjab BJP office in Chandigarh, which was claimed by a Khalistani terrorist Sukhjinder Singh Babbar.
Over a week back, the Aam Aadmi Party replaced Raghav Chadha as the deputy leader in Rajya Sabha and named Ashok Kumar Mittal in his place.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha said he has been “silenced, not defeated”, a day after being removed as the party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha on April 3, 2026. (File Photo/PTI)
Ever since rift appeared between Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha and other leaders of the party, all eyes remain on what the former’s next move would be.
Giving a hint towards that, Chadha shared an Instagram reel on his account’s story and called it an “interesting thought”.
He shared a reel by a user named Rihan who goes by username ‘seedhathok’, in which the creator suggested that Chadha should now float his own party which would garner him more support.
Addressing Chadha straight, he says, “At this point, everyone wants that Raghav Chadha should make his own party called Gen-Z party or any other name that he finds suitable”.
“However, if he joins some other party, he may not get this kind of support he is getting right now. Or maybe, he might actually get some hate. That is why, starting his own party would be a good decision. He will get the support of the youth and win one-sided”.
Sharing this reel, Chadha called the creator’s idea an “interesting thought”.
However, he has not yet announced anything formally on what he will do next.
Raghav Chadha vs AAP
Over a week back, the Aam Aadmi Party replaced Raghav Chadha as the deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha and named Ashok Kumar Mittal as the new deputy in the Upper House. He was also blocked from speaking in Parliament from the party’s quota, just when he was gaining popularity on social media for raising what many said were middle-class issues in the Parliament.
However, party accused Chadha of going soft against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and using party’s time for raising issues such as samosa’s prices on airports, which also led to a flurry of memes on social media.
One of the major points of contentions, amongst many which were in play behind the scenes of the breakup between AAP and Chadha, was the impeachment motion submitted by Opposition parties against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj said that Chadha refused to sign the motion. Another AAP leader, Atishi, directly questioned Chadha: “Why are you so afraid of the BJP? Why are you afraid of questioning PM Narendra Modi?”
“Have you ever questioned the attack on democracy? Have you ever questioned voter deletion, or wrongly-made votes?” she added.
Both the leaders also questioned Chadha’s absence during Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by ED, following which, the party was on streets protesting.
In response, Chadha said that he was he was being “silenced” by the party.
Relations will not be “held hostage” to one issue, say Bangladeshi sources privy to the discussion, referring to the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Bangladeshi counterpart Khalilur Rahman during a meeting in New Delhi. | Photo Credit: AP
India will engage the ‘new government’ of Bangladesh and the two sides will ‘deepen’ bilateral ties, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday (April 8, 2026) after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hosted Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kobir in New Delhi. Following the talks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Bangladesh said Mr. Khalilur Rahman conveyed Dhaka’s desire to conduct foreign policy in accordance with the principle of “Bangladesh First” and called for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, sources in the Bangladesh side privy to the discussion told The Hindu that broader bilateral relations would not be “held hostage” by Ms. Hasina’s presence in India.
“The External Affairs Minister reiterated India’s desire to engage constructively with the new government and further strengthen bilateral ties. The two sides agreed to explore proposals for deepening the partnership through the relevant bilateral mechanisms,” the MEA said in a statement after the two teams wrapped up their meeting. The statement said the two sides had agreed on “follow-on official meetings” that were expected to take place at an early date. Mr. Jaishankar said the two sides “discussed strengthening our bilateral relation in its various facets” and discussed regional and global developments. “Agreed to remain in close touch,” he said.
Security concerns
During the talks in Delhi, the delegation is understood to have allayed security concerns for India, saying Bangladesh would not allow its soil to be used against Indian interests, nor would the new government seek security pacts with other countries, including the U.S., China or Pakistan. Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry said Mr. Khalilur Rahman “thanked” the Indian government for “apprehending the suspected killers” of young Islamist leader Osman Hadi and “reiterated” Dhaka’s request for extradition of Ms. Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both of whom were given death sentence by the ICT in Dhaka.
However, Bangladeshi sources privy to the discussion said Dhaka did not want relations to be “held hostage” to the issue of Ms. Hasina’s presence in India but they would seek assurances that her public statements would be curtailed, and she would not be allowed to “use Indian territory” for political purposes. They also raised their disappointment over the cancellation of IPL contract for Mustafizur Rahman, popular cricketer of Bangladesh, over India’s concerns regarding rights of minority communities from the T20 World Cup in January. Bangladeshi officials indicated that they will work to keep sporting ties on track and cited that the Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided to invite the Indian team to play a test series later this year.
Mr. Khalilur Rahman, who arrived here on Tuesday (April 7, 2026), is the first high-level dignitary to be welcomed here for a bilateral engagement from Bangladesh since the fall of Ms. Hasina’s government on August 5, 2024. He visited India in November 2025 while serving the interim government led by Muhammed Yunus as the National Security Adviser of Bangladesh. According to the MoFA of Bangladesh, the Indian side has given indication that issuance of Indian visas that has remained slow for more than one and half years will be addressed soon. “During the discussions, Mr. Jaishankar said Indian visas to Bangladeshis, particularly medical and business visas, would be eased in the coming weeks,” said the MoFA in a press note.
The matter came up as the Supreme Court’s nine-judge Constitution Bench questioned the maintainability of petitions filed by non-devotees in the Sabarimala case
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said courts have become very cautious in entertaining PILs
The central government during a Supreme Court hearing on the Sabarimala issue on Wednesday questioned the relevance of public interest litigations (PILs) and asserted that it’s time to remove them. In response, the Supreme Court indicated to the Centre that there was no need to go down that path as the courts are already cautious while receiving PILs.
The Centre raised the matter after Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathana asked why petitions filed by non-devotees have been admitted in the Sabarimala issue.
The case is over a constitutional challenge – on the balance between women’s rights and religious freedom – to the temple’s ban on girls and women aged 10-50.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, while arguing in reference to the Sabarimala case review petitions, urged the Supreme Court’s nine-judge constitutional bench to go through his written submissions on the relevance of PILs.
In written submissions filed in the Supreme Court, the central government has said time has come to remove PIL as a concept.
“It is submitted that the time has come not merely to recalibrate public interest litigation, but to remove it. PIL was conceived as an exceptional constitutional device for an era in which vast sections of the population were structurally unable to access courts because of poverty, illiteracy, disability, detention, social exclusion, and the sheer absence of institutional legal support,” the written submissions by the central government stated.
Mehta cited the Bandhua Mukti Morcha case and said the PIL jurisdiction began at a time when access to justice was limited. He said that with technological advancements and increased accessibility, including e-filing, people can approach courts directly now.
“Even a letter can reach the court today,” he said.
Highlighting the role of legal aid bodies, Mehta said institutions like the National Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authorities are available to help those without means.
“In this day and age, why should such PILs be entertained?” he said, adding many PILs today are “motivated” and filed at the behest of undisclosed interests.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant told the Centre that recently the courts have become very cautious in entertaining PILs.
“The answer is very simple. Nowadays… and ‘nowadays’ does not mean only the last few years… these Courts themselves have been very, very careful in entertaining PILs. We have laid down parameters to test them. Every day, we examine the real cause. There are several factors we now apply while testing a PIL,” Chief Justice Kant said.
“If you sit in court No. 1, you would have seen how many PILs we actually entertain. Notices are issued only when there is substance. Perhaps from 2006 to now, 2026… over these two decades, the situation has evolved, and the court has become more cautious. The point is this: on a general principle of PIL, we may not even need to hear you. We agree with you that the court has to be very cautious in entertaining PILs today, particularly when people come with different kinds of agendas,” Chief Justice Kant told Mehta.
The matter came up as the Supreme Court’s nine-judge Constitution Bench questioned the maintainability of petitions filed by non-devotees in the Sabarimala case. Justice Nagarathna observed that the original writ petitioners were not devotees of Lord Ayyappa and suggested that such petitions may not have been fit to be entertained at all.
She said no genuine devotee would have challenged the practice and indicated that a petition by non-devotees ought to have been dismissed at the threshold, drawing on principles like Order VII Rule 11 of the Civil Procedure Code, which allows rejection of cases that lack cause of action.
When told that the petition was filed by the Indian Young Lawyers Association, Justice Nagarathna questioned whether a “stranger” to a religious denomination could challenge its practices.
Chief Justice Kant noted that such concerns should have been addressed earlier and pointed out that the 2018 Sabarimala judgment allowed judicial intervention in matters involving grave constitutional issues regardless of locus.
While Mehta cited Justice Indu Malhotra’s minority view in the Sabarimala verdict against outsider petitions, lawyer Indira Jaising said the bench is addressing broader constitutional questions beyond Sabarimala, including issues affecting women’s rights across religious communities, such as rights of Parsi women and femal genital mutilation practice in Dawoodi Bohra community.
Reasons Behind Centre’s Stance Against PILs
The Centre has contended that the justification for PILs rested on a real and pressing access deficit. “The said deficit, though not entirely eliminated, has been substantially addressed through the development of legal aid mechanisms, institutional support structures, and wider channels of access to justice. The constitutional exception has therefore outlived the factual conditions that were once thought to justify it,” the submission stated.
“The catastrophic expansion of the PIL docket demonstrates that the exception has swallowed the rule. The increase from 25,000 filings per year in 1985 to 70,836 in 2019, coupled with this Hon’ble Court’s own recognition that only ‘even a minuscule percentage’ of such petitions are genuine, shows that the PIL jurisdiction now operates in a factual vacuum,” the central government told the Supreme Court.
“A jurisdiction created to remedy exceptional barriers to justice has instead become a vehicle for agenda-driven litigation, institutional overreach, and judicial diversion from cases brought by directly affected parties,” the submissions stated.
The government said the problem is that the existence of the jurisdiction itself incentivises misuse, invites surrogate litigation, and normalises the displacement of the real aggrieved party from the centre of constitutional adjudication.
Jasveen Sangha, 42, a dual citizen of the United States and Britain, was jailed on Wednesday for her role in the actor’s 2023 overdose death.
The judge handed down a 15-year prison sentence to Jasveen Sangha
An Indian-origin British-American drug dealer, known as the “Ketamine Queen” for supplying narcotics to Hollywood elites, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for selling the ketamine that led to the death of Friends star Matthew Perry.
Jasveen Sangha, 42, a dual citizen of the United States and Britain, was jailed on Wednesday for her role in the actor’s 2023 overdose death.
Born in London and of Punjabi origin, Sangha was one of five people charged in connection with the death of the Canadian-American actor, who was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his luxury Los Angeles home.
Federal prosecutors said Sangha ran a large-scale drug operation from her upscale apartment in Los Angeles, supplying ketamine, methamphetamine and other narcotics to wealthy clients in the heart of America’s entertainment industry.
“To cultivate her business, (Sangha) marketed herself as an exclusive dealer who catered to high-profile Hollywood clientele,” prosecutors wrote in sentencing papers.
“As she told one customer in 2020, ‘I’m really select with people,’ and ‘it’s a very VIP circle of celebs.'”
Ketamine Sales To Matthew Perry
According to US attorneys, Sangha worked with a man named Erik Fleming to supply ketamine to Matthew Perry. The charges were based in part on Sangha’s plea agreement.
Prosecutors said that in the month Perry died, Sangha and Fleming sold him 51 vials of ketamine. The drugs were given to Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in personal assistant, who then provided them to the actor.
Perry, best known for playing Chandler Bing on Friends, was found dead at his Los Angeles home in 2023. His death deeply shocked fans around the world.
After learning from breaking news reports that Perry had died, Sangha contacted Fleming using the encrypted messaging app Signal, according to prosecutors.
“Delete all our messages,” Sangha told Fleming.
Prosecutors said this showed an attempt to conceal evidence soon after becoming aware of the actor’s death.
In a sentencing memo filed last month, prosecutors said Sangha had been running a “high-volume drug trafficking business out of her North Hollywood residence” since at least 2019. From there, she stored, packaged and distributed drugs including ketamine and methamphetamine.
They also said Sangha continued to sell “dangerous drugs” even after learning that ketamine she sold contributed to two overdose deaths.
Apart from Perry, prosecutors linked her to the 2019 death of Los Angeles resident Cody McLaury. McLaury died hours after Sangha sold him four vials of ketamine, they said.
Privileged Background
Prosecutors argued that Sangha came from a privileged background and was well educated, yet chose to sell drugs out of “greed, glamour, and access.”
She graduated from Calabasas High School in 2001, earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine in 2005, and later completed an MBA from Hult Business School in 2010.
“This was not desperation,” prosecutors said, pointing to her education and lifestyle.
Defense Seeks Leniency
Sangha’s defense team argued that she had accepted responsibility and did not try to downplay her actions. She is represented by defense attorneys Mark Geragos and Alexandra Kazarian.
They told the court that Sangha had no criminal history before her arrest and had taken part in recovery and rehabilitation programmes while in custody. Her defence asked for her release with time served.
“Sangha’s demonstrated rehabilitation, including two years of sustained sobriety, consistent engagement in recovery programming, and strong community support, reflects a meaningful commitment to change and a low risk of recidivism,” the defense wrote in court documents.
Known to her customers as the “Ketamine Queen,” Sangha pleaded guilty to five federal charges related to Perry’s overdose death. She has been in federal custody since her arrest in August 2024.
Many social media users, including those from India, praised the Nepali man for holding the tourists accountable on the spot rather than ignoring the act.
The incident highlights growing concerns regarding civic sense and responsible tourism.
A video from Nepal has sparked widespread debate online after a local man confronted a group of Indian tourists for spitting gutka on a public road. The confrontation took place when a Nepali resident noticed Indian tourists spitting gutka from a moving vehicle onto a street. The local man stopped the tourists and firmly scolded them, stating, “Yeh India nahi hai bhai…Nepal hai…Paani daalo jaldi. (This is not India, brother, this is Nepal. Pour water quickly.)”
The tourists appeared visibly embarrassed, apologised repeatedly, and were made to clean the stains by pouring water on the road. The man filming the incident noted the irony of tourists from a “big country” like India spreading dirt in another nation.
“Aap log India se ho…Itna bada desh se aate ho…idhar aake ganda kar diya (You guys come from such a big country and are spreading dirt here),” the local was heard saying. He again asks them to clean the spot properly instead of just saying sorry and moving on.
Watch the video here:
The video has garnered millions of views and triggered a broader conversation about public behaviour. Many social media users, including those from India, praised the Nepali man for holding the tourists accountable on the spot rather than ignoring the act.
Others felt the Nepali man’s reaction was excessive and urged him to avoid generalising all Indians.
One user wrote, “When Nepalese come to our country, work here, and stay here, we don’t disrespect you or your country. Yes, they are wrong, but they are apologizing. Still, it seems very intentional how you are blaming the entire country. This clearly shows hate. Also, the people in the comment section are also supporting this. This is so sad how you are behaving with guests in your country. If they would have argued, then I would have understood, but they are clearly saying, ‘Sorry.”
Another said, “This is love for the nation, so take it positively.” A third added, “He quickly started apologizing. So nice.”
A Pune doctor lost Rs 12.31 crore in an online share trading scam involving a fake app and WhatsApp group.
An FIR has been registered with the cyber police station based on the doctor’s complaint
A 75-year-old doctor from Pune was cheated out of Rs 12.31 crore in an online share trading scam, with fraudsters allegedly coercing him into making multiple investments, police have said.
According to police, the senior citizen received a message from an unidentified number in the last week of January containing a list of “recommended” stocks along with a link.
On clicking the link, he was added to a WhatsApp group where the administrators claimed to be senior executives of a global financial management firm. One of them also purportedly claimed to be an author on stock market dynamics, police said on Wednesday.
Investigators said the group was used to build credibility, with members, believed to be part of the racket, posting messages showing substantial profits from investments.
“After expressing interest, the doctor was directed to a fraudulent trading application resembling the name of a reputed international firm. He was asked to share personal and financial details before being instructed to transfer funds to multiple bank accounts,” police said, adding that the amounts transferred were reflected as investments on the fake platform, along with fabricated profits.
Between March 7 and March 18, the victim made eight transactions totalling Rs 12.31 crore. When he hesitated to invest further, the accused allegedly threatened to seize his properties, forcing him to continue transferring money, police added.
“The capital cannot be moved even an inch now,” CM Chandrababu Naidu has asserted even as the Opposition YSRCP remains unyielding on the Amaravati plan
For the second time in under two years, Amaravati burst into celebrations last week as Parliament passed a legislation, followed by President Droupadi Murmu’ assent to it, to accord a 217 sq km expanse in Guntur district the statutory status of being Andhra Pradesh’s sole and permanent capital.
The first time was in June 2024 when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu, rode to power in Andhra Pradesh, dislodging the Jagan Mohan Reddy government that had stalled Naidu’s dream capital project.
Amaravati is now perhaps India’s only state capital to have been specifically designated as such through an amendment to a law—the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014.
The rejoicing in Amaravati on April 2 was only natural as its residents had, back in 2015 during Naidu’s previous chief ministerial term, parted with around 33,000 acres of fertile land abutting the Krishna river. Betting on Naidu’s grand new capital and the promise of good returns, the locals would eventually see the mega project practically discarded once Jagan Reddy assumed command in 2019.
Andhra Pradesh had long needed a new capital as its bifurcation in 2014 placed Hyderabad with the new state of Telangana. Although this growth propeller IT hub, as per the AP Reorganisation Act, was designated as the joint capital of the two states till 2024, Naidu sensed the need for Andhra to have its own capital at the earliest. As the first chief minister of the truncated Andhra, he selected the region between Vijayawada and Guntur cities as the location for capital Amaravati.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Amaravati project in October 2015 at Uddandarayunipalem, one of the 29 villages that gave up land in a pooling scheme. Construction was on track when the power shift after the 2019 polls stalled work. From architecture to infra, several firms, including the renowned Singapore Consortium, were disengaged by the Jagan Reddy government and even nearly-complete buildings were abandoned.
Jagan Reddy had opposed the choice of Amaravati and, alternatively, announced a decentralised and controversial three-capital structure for Andhra. Under this plan, the state executive was to be located in Visakhapatnam in northern Andhra and the judiciary at Kurnool in Rayalaseema. Amaravati was to just seat the legislature.
However, throughout Jagan Reddy’s five-year-long rule, Amaravati farmers and their families agitated against his three-capital move, which was anyway stuck because of legal challenges. Their 1,631 days-long protest ended on June 12, 2024—the day Naidu was sworn in as chief minister again.
Last year, Naidu brought the greenfield capital project back in the forefront, and Modi reinaugurated the works in May. Construction resumed and is progressing briskly to meet Naidu’s target of core infrastructure completion by 2028.
However, TDP leaders and locals are hounded by fears of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party’s resurgence and the consequential threat of Jagan Reddy raking up his aversion to Amaravati.
It is under these circumstances that the TDP, the BJP’s biggest ally in the NDA, pushed the Modi government to enshrine Amaravati capital status. On March 28, the Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly unanimously adopted a resolution requesting the central government to amend Section 5 of the AP Reorganisation Act to include the word “at Amaravati” and to add the words “and Amaravati includes the capital city areas notified under the AP Capital Region Development Authority Act 2014”.
Within days, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026 by voice vote, with the YSRCP being the only noticeable opposer.
“The capital cannot be moved even an inch from here now,” Naidu asserted, calling the passage of the Act a historic moment and thanking Modi and home minister Amit Shah for the legislation.
“Amaravati’s self-respect has triumphed. Today, the capital has received an irreversible legal status backed by Parliament,” Naidu said on April 2 as he, accompanied by wife Bhuvaneswari, visited Uddandarayunipalem, the foundation-stone site of Amaravati, attended a ‘deepa-harathi’ and prostrated at the heap of earth, collected from across the country, for the 2015 event.
“After facing numerous conspiracies, we have reclaimed our capital,” Naidu said as he lambasted the YSRCP.
But the Opposition party’s chief Jagan Reddy is apparently not relenting even now. While Naidu describes Amaravati as ‘praja-rajadhani’ (people’s capital), the former chief minister terms Amaravati as “the capital of corruption”.
Addressing the media, Jagan Reddy reiterated his stand that “Chandrababu had engineered unprecedented, impractical policies and chose Amaravati as the location in order to enrich himself and his coterie”. He wondered from where the Rs 2 lakh crore needed for the Amaravati project would be secured and how long it would take to complete the capital.
The YSRCP chief warned that Naidu was pushing Andhra into a debt trap to satisfy his self-worth. “When Chandrababu Naidu boasts that the capital city is a self-financed model, why were loans taken, allocations made in the Budget? It all pointedly speaks of the rampant corruption and layers of scams involved, from land acquisition to tendering process, and the exorbitant rates being given to favoured contractors,” Jagan Reddy alleged, stating that his priority instead was people’s welfare.
India achieved stunning success at the Kalpakkam nuclear plant, which even the US and France failed to. Only Russia has a commercially running Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR). The Kalpakkam FBR will use India’s huge reserves of Thorium to power millions of households, and reduce the country’s energy imports.
The 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu is India’s most advanced nuclear reactor.
India has pulled off what some of the world’s biggest nuclear powers — the United States and France — could not, despite pumping in billions of dollars. On April 6, the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu achieved first criticality, which means the reactor started a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction for the first time. We reported on the scientific achievement at Kalpakkam earlier, but here we will tell you why this feat is stunning, and why every Indian should be proud of it. We will also tell you how millions of Indians will benefit from it.
It is not just another reactor attaining criticality. With the development, India gained a capability that even the US, France and Japan failed to sustain. They surrendered. Only Russia currently operates fast breeder reactors at commercial scale. China is still taking baby steps to operationalise the technology at a commercial scale. China does have the small experimental CEFR reactor and the CFR-600 prototype.
“Once fully operational, India will become only the second country in the world after Russia to operate a commercial fast breeder reactor,” a statement by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) noted.
The achievement is crucial because India has little uranium, which is an essential fuel for nuclear reactors. However, the self-sustaining technology will help India use thorium. The country has some of the world’s largest thorium reserves, found on the sandy shores of Odisha, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.
The Kalpakkam reactor beautifully blends the two realities of little uranium and abundant thorium reserves. The reactor, powered by uranium in the first stage, can be sustained by throium-blended fuel in the later stages. This will end India’s dependency on uranium imports.
The reactors at Kalpakkam can produce more nuclear fuel than they consume. They can also help India eventually tap thorium to power the country for centuries. That makes it a strategic win as much as a scientific one.
“India has officially entered the second stage of its three-stage nuclear power programme, a vision first conceived by Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha, the architect of India’s nuclear programme,” added the PIB statement.
WHAT HAPPENED AT KALPAKKAM?
The indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at India’s Kalpakkam facility attained first criticality at 8.25 pm on April 6.
This means the reactor core began a controlled and self-sustaining fission chain reaction. The reactor uses mixed oxide fuel, or MOX fuel, and liquid sodium as coolant. It would now go through low-power tests before reaching full commercial operation later this year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a “defining step” in India’s civil nuclear journey. He said the Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) reflected the country’s scientific and engineering capabilities and would help India move towards using its vast thorium reserves.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Wednesday congratulated India, PM Modi and Indian scientists and engineers “on this important technological achievement after many years of development”.
“This reactor will use much less nuclear fuel than other reactors and lay a pathway towards a closed fuel cycle,” the IEA posted on X.
WHY IS THE FBR SUCH A BIG DEAL FOR INDIA?
A fast breeder reactor (FBR) is different from a conventional nuclear reactor. Most reactors consume uranium fuel. An FBR produces more fissile fuel than it burns. Fissile fuel is nuclear material that can split and release energy in a chain reaction.
That is important for India because the country does not have large uranium reserves. But it does have one of the world’s biggest thorium deposits, especially along the coasts of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
The FBR is central to India’s three-stage nuclear programme first envisioned by Bhabha in the 1950s.
In the first stage, India uses natural uranium in reactors to make electricity. Those reactors also produce plutonium.
In the second stage, reactors like the FBR use that plutonium as fuel and also create even more fuel than they consume.
This is important because it helps India move to the third stage, where it can use its huge thorium reserves to produce uranium-233 for future reactors.
India, after decades of persistence and investment, succeeded in delivering a breakthrough. But why couldn’t nuclear pioneers like the US and France give up?
WHY DID THE US, FRANCE FAIL TO FIRE FAST BREEDER REACTORS?
The US was among the first countries to try fast breeder reactors. It built the Fermi 1 reactor near Detroit in the 1960s. But in 1966, a loose plate blocked coolant flow and caused a partial meltdown in the reactor. The project never recovered.
The US later planned the bigger Clinch River Breeder Reactor. But the project was cancelled in 1983 because of high costs, technical problems and safety concerns linked to sodium coolant.
Cheap uranium at its disposal also played a role in reducing the urgency for the US to continue breeder technology.
Like the US, France also invested heavily in technology. It planned the 1,200 MW Superphenix reactor. It was meant to become the world’s first large commercial breeder reactor. Instead, it became one of the biggest failures in nuclear history.
Superphenix suffered sodium leaks, fires, corrosion problems and political opposition. It ran only for a few months in more than a decade of existence before being shut down permanently in 1998.
Japan’s Monju reactor faced similar problems. It was hit by a sodium leak and fire in 1995. When it restarted years later, another accident hit the reactor. It operated for barely 250 days across more than two decades before the Japanese government shut it down for good in 2016.
WHY KALPAKKAM SUCCESS MATTERS FOR INDIA’S ENERGY SECURITY?
India currently produces only around 8 GW of nuclear power. But it wants to reach 100 GW by 2047, in line with the Indian government’s Viksit Bharat roadmap.
The FBR strengthens India’s aim of energy security because it reduces reliance on imported uranium and fossil fuels.
It gives India the luxury of relying on clean baseload power. Once operationalised commercially, it would protect India from global fuel price shocks and disruptions like the one right now because of the war in the Middle East.
Tension is palpable among residents of Malda’s Mahisbathani village, where 3,700 names out of 27,000 voters have been struck off in the post-SIR adjudication process. As per electoral rules, voters whose names have been deleted can approach the appellate tribunal, but they will not be able to participate in the first phase of voting.
Political parties in the area are deeply concerned over the removal of 3,700 names from the panchayat, claiming it has impacted their vote base.
The fate of nearly 4,000 voters in a village in West Bengal’s Malda hangs in the balance, with the voter list for the first phase already frozen, leaving them — like lakhs of others across the state — unable to cast their vote on April 23.
Their future as voters now remains uncertain, as the Supreme Court-mandated Appellate Tribunal will decide their status if they choose to appeal.
Whether they will be able to vote in the next elections — the 2029 Lok Sabha polls — will be decided by the tribunal once it begins functioning in full capacity.
Tension is palpable among residents of Malda’s Mahisbathani village, where 3,700 names out of 27,000 voters have been struck off in the post-SIR adjudication process.
As per Election Commission rules, voters whose names have been deleted can approach the appellate tribunal, but they will not be able to participate in the first phase of voting.
As a result, those whose names have been removed are uncertain about the future of their voter cards. There is also confusion among many residents in the area about how to apply in the next stage of the process.
Notably, the panchayat includes several villages such as Kadamtali, Rahutgram, Baluatola, and Sugabathan.
In the run-up to previous elections, these villages would come alive — party offices would open, walls would be painted with slogans, and the area would be filled with symbols, with candidates campaigning amid drums and fanfare.
But this time, that vibrancy is missing, leaving residents disheartened.
Residents of Kadamtala expressed disappointment, saying that elections usually bring a festive atmosphere to the village, but that is absent this time.
“Around 400-500 names have been removed from each booth in that village. In Booth No. 23 alone, 428 names have been deleted. So who will vote this time?,” asked one resident.
Similarly, a resident of an adjacent village said that names have been removed from multiple booths there as well. People are living in fear, unsure of the consequences of being unable to vote. He also alleged that most of those whose names were deleted in his village are Muslims.
Political parties in the area are deeply concerned over the removal of 3,700 names from the panchayat, claiming it has impacted their vote base.
Congress candidate Bhupendranath Haldar told the media that names were deliberately removed through a conspiracy, preventing people from exercising their voting rights, which he said is not a good sign for democracy.
The Trinamool Congress made similar allegations, claiming that the Election Commission has removed names across the state, causing hardship to ordinary people, though efforts are being made to restore names on the voter list.
The coordinated action, carried out with the Anti-Gangster Task Force, also involved verification drives and preventive action against suspects.
File photo used for representational purpose only (Photo: X/@PunjabPolice)
As the ongoing anti-gangster crackdown entered its 77th day, Punjab Police on Wednesday conducted 501 raids at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state, according to details shared by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The operation led to the arrest of 202 individuals during the day-long crackdown, the party said in a post on X, highlighting the state government’s continued action against organised crime.
According to official information cited in the post, the campaign was launched earlier this year under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann as part of a sustained effort to dismantle gangster networks and curb organised crime in the state.
Police teams from all districts, in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), have been conducting simultaneous raids and intelligence-based operations across Punjab since the launch of the drive.
On Day 77, apart from the arrests, authorities also acted against proclaimed offenders and other suspects during the course of the operation. The raids were carried out at multiple locations identified through prior mapping and intelligence inputs.
Meanwhile, the anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ continued alongside the anti-gangster operations. On the same day, 112 alleged drug smugglers were arrested, with police recovering 5.8 kg of heroin, a quantity of intoxicant tablets and capsules, and cash believed to be linked to drug proceeds.
Officials said the twin drives are part of a broader strategy to target organised crime, narcotics networks, and their financial and logistical support systems across the state.
Bihar prepares for a new political chapter as Nitish Kumar takes Rajya Sabha oath on April 10. Newly elected MPs, including BJP and RLM leaders, will follow on April 16 amid crucial Delhi meetings.
Former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to take his oath as a Rajya Sabha member on April 10, marking the first step in the formation of Bihar’s new government.
Former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to take his oath as a Rajya Sabha member on April 10, marking the first step in the formation of Bihar’s new government.
Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary confirmed the schedule, noting that Nitish Kumar’s swearing-in will precede the oath of other newly elected MPs from the state.
“This is an important first step before the induction of the new government. Nitish Kumar’s Rajya Sabha oath will take place on April 10,” Chaudhary said.
NEWLY ELECTED BIHAR MPS TO TAKE OATH ON APRIL 16
Bihar’s newly elected Rajya Sabha MPs, including BJP national president Nitin Naveen and Sivesh Kumar, will take their oaths on April 16 during a special session of Parliament.
Alongside BJP leaders, Upendra Kushwaha, head of the RLM, will also be sworn in on the same day. All ceremonies will take place in the Rajya Sabha chamber.
BJP holds crucial Delhi meeting ahead of government formation
Sources in the BJP said a key meeting of Bihar BJP leaders will take place in Delhi on April 10, led by Nitin Naveen. The meeting will include senior central leaders and state BJP leadership.
Present will be Bihar BJP president Sanjay Sarawagi, deputy leader Samrat Chaudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, Nityanand Rai, Sanjay Jaiswal, regional organisation secretary Nagendra Ji, and state organisation secretary Bhiku Bhai Dalsania. Ministers Dilip Jaiswal and Mangal Pandey are also expected to attend.
The agenda includes seeking the name of the new Chief Minister from the state core committee, attempting to reach consensus, and deciding the next steps following Nitish Kumar’s resignation as Chief Minister.
CM Singh held an all-party meeting in Imphal on Tuesday evening in which it was decided to appeal to the public to stop violent protest and destruction of properties.
People block a road in protest after two children were killed in a bomb attack(L), CM addresses media over recent attacks Credit: PTI, DH Photos
The Valley districts of Manipur was back in turmoil on Tuesday after two children of a BSF jawan were killed in their sleep in a bomb attack, leading to a violent protest during which two more persons were killed and five injured when security forces fired on the agitators.
Police said the bomb attack around 1 am, allegedly by the Kukis, targeted the house of Mangalngamba Oinam, a BSF jawan posted in Bihar, at Tronglaobi village in the Meitei-dominated Bishnupur district. It killed the jawan’s five-year-old son and a five-month baby daughter on the spot while leaving his wife seriously injured. The Kuki forums, however, denied their involvement in the attack.
According to local residents, a suspected projectile struck the house, causing a powerful explosion that instantly claimed the lives of the two children. The blast damaged the house and left nearby residents in a state of shock.
Bishnupur shares a boundary with Kuki-dominated Churachandpur district and has remained under the watch of security forces since the Meitei-Kuki conflict started in May 2023. The killing of the children angered locals, who tried to storm the Moirang police station and also set fire to several vehicles belonging to a CRPF camp at Moirang.
As the protest turned violent, the CRPF personnel opened fire in which seven people were wounded. Two of them succumbed to their injuries, Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh told reporters in the state capital Imphal.
The protesters suspected the involvement of Kukis and questioned why the forces failed to protect the civilians.
As the situation remained volatile, the administration suspended the internet for three days in the five Valley districts: Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal and Bishnupur. Curfew was also clamped in some areas and additional forces rushed.
The state’s new chief minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who took charge on February 4, quickly decided to hand over the case related to the death of the children to the NIA and appealed to protesters to “remain calm and not to give in to emotions”. Singh held a meeting with the MLAs and the security top brass, during which orders were issued for a combing operation in search of the assailants.
The Kuki Zo Council (KZC) and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), two influential forums of Kuki civil society organisations, denied the allegations about the involvement of Kukis in the bomb attack. “With buffer zones strictly guarded by security forces, it is highly implausible for any Kuki-Zo individual to infiltrate and carry out such an attack within the interior of Meitei localities,” the KZC said in a statement.
An NRI on H-1B visa with over eight years of US experience plans to return to India due to visa stress and financial concerns
An NRI with extensive US work history plans to return to India.
A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) on an H-1B visa in the US, with a work experience of more than eight years, said they were considering returning to India. The techie revealed that they had ‘reached a point’ where they could not handle the visa stress anymore and wanted to settle back home.
“I’ve reached a point where I just can’t handle the H-1B visa stress anymore. I’ve been on H-1B for 5 years, plus 3 years on OPT before that, so after 8+ working years total in the US, I’m still in a tough spot financially,” the NRI wrote in a Reddit post.
Despite not having considerable savings and not knowing what to expect, the NRI said they had decided to return to the country next year.
“Next April I decided, I’ll be heading back to India, and I honestly don’t know what to expect. I’m single, with no responsibilities or debt, but I also don’t have much savings. One thing I’m sure about I don’t want to go back to a regular 9-5 job in India,” the techie said.
The NRI sought the internet’s help, especially from those who had moved back home, regarding how to adjust and rebuild their lives.
“Would love advice from anyone who has moved back to India after living in the US for a long time how did you adjust? How do you rebuild your life there without taking up a traditional job?”
Social Media Reactions
As the post gained traction, social media users provided mixed responses, with a section stating that the techie needed more savings, while others highlighted that they might have to make adjustments in India.
“Don’t come to India unless you have at least a liquid net worth of 4-5 crores. I would think as a single person, it’s very doable,” said one user, while another added: “I returned after 12 long years in the US. It’s not easy to adjust in India. Don’t start driving on day 1, relax for a few months, stay most of the time indoors.”
Zhang’s post serves as a reminder to prioritise life and health, it also showcases the harsh reality of corporate job security.
Many users suggested that the companies should prioritise employee well-being.
Jason Zhang, a former Google employee, has shared his bittersweet experience of being laid off despite working hard and giving years to his job. He said he sacrificed personal time and delayed vacations, but none of it “really mattered” in the end, as his dedication didn’t shield him from being let go. In an Instagram post, he opened up about the layoff and said that companies can let their employees go at any time, which has become the “new normal”.
“I have always prioritised work in my life and honestly still do. I thought that if I just worked harder, put more hours in, delay that vacation, it’ll all be worth it,” he wrote as the caption of the video. “But despite that, none of it really mattered.”
“I delayed many things I wanted to do so I can put in more effort into my job, convinced that working harder means I am less likely to be let go,” the caption added. “But I’ve seen that to not be the case for many talented people I’ve worked with.”
He further noted that after he lost the job, he wanted to start building something for himself that “no one can take away”. He concluded the post with a question, “So if you knew you’d lose your job tomorrow, what would you do differently?”
Zhang’s experience is not unique. Many employees face burnout and exhaustion due to excessive work pressure, blurred boundaries, and a lack of genuine breaks.
Social Media Reaction
The video received significant traction with over 28,000 views. Users took to the comment section to share their experiences. “As a fellow creator – I want you to know that this is genuinely super inspiring and im going to get back to the things that actually matter to me,” one user wrote.
The video shows the boy smoking cigarettes in public while a crowd watches and throws money
‘Cigarette Wale Baba’ Video Sparks Debate Over Underage Boy Smoking In Public; Clip Draws Strong Reaction
A video from Morbi, Gujarat, shows a young boy sitting in public and smoking cigarettes while people stand around him. The scene has shocked many viewers, especially as the boy appears underage. The clip is spreading online and drawing strong reactions from users across platforms.
The clip begins with the boy sitting in the middle of a crowd, holding a cigarette and smoking it. People around him watch closely, and some can be seen encouraging him while also throwing money in his direction. The place appears crowded, with several men standing nearby and observing what is happening.
As the video continues, another man steps forward and offers the boy one more cigarette. The boy takes it without hesitation and begins smoking it as well. For a moment, he is seen holding and smoking two cigarettes at the same time. The crowd remains gathered, watching the act unfold without stepping in to stop it.
The boy stays seated while people continue to surround him. Some appear to be treating the situation like a spectacle, while others simply stand and watch. The place looks busy, with no sign of anyone trying to remove the boy from the situation or question what is going on.
A few people in the background can be seen looking on quietly, while others move closer to get a better view.
Towards the end of the clip, a man reaches out and takes the cigarettes from the boy’s hands. By this point, a large number of people can be seen around him, forming a close circle.
The video ends with the boy still sitting there as the crowd remains nearby.
As more people watched the clip, many shared their thoughts online. A user said, “Isn’t there any limit to the stupidity? How can any sane person accept this?”
Snippets from the video shared on Instagram. (Instagram/@ravi_bhojane)
While most of the city was asleep, one biker took “mobile office” to a literal new level. At 12:15 am, a viral video captured him sitting on his motorcycle while working on a laptop. The glowing screen against the midnight backdrop has become a haunting symbol of the relentless hustle culture. It has also sparked a discussion about the unhealthy expectations that, at times, lead individuals to work during their daily or nightly commutes.
“Raat ke 12 baje bike pe romance nahi, Laptop ke saath finance chal raha hai,” the caption of the video, posted on Instagram, reads.
The footage captures a man on his motorcycle, intently focused on a laptop balanced before him. When a person off-camera remarks on his decision to work while on the move, the rider breaks his concentration to offer a weary, knowing smile. “12:15 am” is also visible across the screen, indicating the time when the moment was recorded.
How did social media react?
An individual wrote, “Indian corporate world.” Another recalled, “Last week this was my situation.” A third commented, “Bhai ghar jake so ja (Brother go home and sleep).” Many reacted to the video with emojis.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised US President Donald Trump’s warning that a civilisation could “die” if Iran misses a deadline, calling such language unacceptable. In a post on X, Gandhi said nuclear weapons can never be justified “under any circumstances”. His remarks come as US strikes hit Iran’s Kharg Island amid rising tensions, according to reports.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi | ANI
With US President Donald Trump threatening that a whole civilisation will die on Tuesday night, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said any language or action that contemplates the end of civilisation is unacceptable in the modern world and asserted that the use of nuclear weapons can never be justified.
In a post on X, Gandhi said, “Wars are tragic, yet they remain a reality. Any language or action that contemplates the end of civilisation is unacceptable in the modern world.” “The use of nuclear weapons can never be justified — under any circumstances,” the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said.
Wars are tragic, yet they remain a reality.
Any language or action that contemplates the end of civilisation is unacceptable in the modern world.
The use of nuclear weapons can never be justified – under any circumstances.
His remarks came after Trump threatened that a whole civilisation will die on Tuesday night if Iran fails to meet his latest deadline to strike a deal that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while the Islamic republic urged young people to form human chains around power plants and other potential targets.
Even before the deadline, airstrikes hit two bridges and a train station, and the United States targeted military infrastructure on the Kharg Island. It was the second time American forces struck the island, a key hub for Iranian oil production.
Since the war began, Trump has repeatedly imposed deadlines linked to threats, only to extend those. But the president has insisted that this is the final one and will expire at 8 pm in Washington, without a major diplomatic breakthrough.
Due to the shortage of staff in the municipal corporation, the civic body is managing arrangements through double shifts and increased workload. In some areas, extra labourers are being hired at daily wages ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 to lift garbage.
Image used for representation
The impact of elections in Assam and West Bengal is now evident in Lucknow’s sanitation system. Hundreds of sanitation workers living in slums have returned to their native villages with their families to cast their votes.
Due to the shortage of staff in the municipal corporation, the civic body is managing arrangements through double shifts and increased workload. In some areas, extra labourers are being hired at daily wages ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 to lift garbage.
Most sanitation workers who have left are employed by the municipal corporation and have locked their homes before departing. This has caused a sudden shortage of workers in Lucknow, affecting waste management services.
In the Indira Nagar slum area, many huts remain locked as entire families leave to vote during elections. Residents report that garbage collection has suddenly stopped without prior information, leading to waste accumulation.
Local residents, including Simran from Aliganj, have noted that both municipal and private garbage collectors have ceased operations temporarily. Suraj Kumar shared that his collector informed him about travelling to Assam to vote and would return later, leaving residents to manage waste on their own.
Hotel owner Suraj also confirmed that garbage has piled up at his establishment with no clarity on when collection services will resume. Additional Municipal Commissioner Arvind Rao stated that a large number of sanitation workers have gone out for election-related duties in Assam, directly impacting cleanliness in the city.
Normally, around 1,430 vehicles and 3,500 workers are involved in sanitation work. Reports indicate that nearly 10,000 workers have left during the elections, affecting services in multiple areas. Earlier verification drives targeting lack of Aadhaar cards reportedly caused some workers to leave or be removed, contributing to an existing 60 to 70 per cent shortfall in manpower.
The video, which first surfaced on Monday, April 6, has triggered significant backlash as the River Ganga is considered highly sacred in Hinduism. The uproar has been sharp, with calls for legal action against the accused rising rapidly.
The viral video has led to the arrest of at least one person. (Visuals: @AamAadmiParty/X)
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday shared on X a clip showing a large group of men drinking beer and dancing to loud music on a boat, highlighting widespread claims that the scene was from a ferry in the Ganga in Varanasi. The Arvind Kejriwal-led party hit out at Uttar Pradesh’s ruling BJP over the incident.
The video, which first surfaced on Monday, April 6, has triggered significant backlash as the River Ganga is considered highly sacred in Hinduism. The uproar has been sharp, with calls for legal action against the accused rising rapidly.
Insinuating that the BJP was responsible for hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus, the AAP, in its post, wondered if the authorities in Varanasi had granted “formal permission” for the party.
“This viral video is said to be from Varanasi, in which a DJ is playing on a large boat in the Ganga River and people are seen drinking alcohol and recording videos,” the AAP wrote while sharing the viral video on X.
It added, “The question is: Has the Uttar Pradesh government and the Varanasi administration officially granted permission for such liquor parties on the Ganga River?”
Meanwhile, the police in Varanasi took cognisance of the viral clip and registered a case in connection with the boat party.
A senior official said that the viral video at the centre of the controversy was under investigation and efforts were underway to identify the people appearing in it.
At least one person has since been arrested, according to the police.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing rallies in Barpeta Road, Hojai, and Moran, accused Congress of echoing Pakistan’s narrative on national security. He highlighted past military operations, implementation of OROP for veterans, and contrasted BJP’s long-term development focus with Congress’ alleged short-term gains and corruption.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi | X @narendramodi
Turning up the heat in Assam’s election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of echoing Pakistan’s narrative even on matters of national security.
Rallies and roadshows
Addressing a series of rallies and roadshows in Barpeta Road, Hojai and Moran on the BJP’s foundation day, Modi drew a contrast between his government’s security actions and the Opposition’s stance.
Referring to past military operations, including the 2016 surgical strikes and what he described as “Operation Sindoor”, Modi said, “When India acted against terror camps in Pakistan, Congress chose to question and weaken the country’s stand. They have repeatedly spoken in a tone that suits Pakistan.”
কংগ্ৰেছ কেৱল দুৰ্নীতিগ্ৰস্তই নহয় কাম কৰিবলৈও অনিচ্ছুক। ফলত বছৰ বছৰ ধৰি অসমৰ বহু প্ৰকল্প স্থবিৰ হৈ থাকিল। আমি এই পৰিস্থিতি দ্ৰুতগতিত সলনি কৰি আছো। pic.twitter.com/CuZC1q3R7w
Calling it a serious concern, he added, “Such a Pakistan connection has always weighed heavily on the nation. It cannot be allowed.”
Governance attack
The Prime Minister also used the platform to sharpen his attack on the Congress over governance, accusing the party of focusing on short-term gains at the cost of long-term development.
“For decades, their decisions were guided by immediate political benefits. That approach encouraged corruption. Our government works with a long-term vision for the development of every section of society,” he said.
Campaign strategy
Modi also brought up the long-pending demand of ‘One Rank, One Pension’ (OROP) for armed forces veterans, alleging that previous governments had ignored it for years. “Our soldiers waited for justice for decades. It was our government that implemented OROP and honoured their service,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when the BJP is intensifying its campaign across Assam, projecting a mix of nationalism, development and welfare delivery as key planks.
Police said the duo played a critical role in receiving arms consignments routed through Nepal, transporting them into India, reassembling dismantled weapons, and delivering them across the network. Their primary responsibility involved logistics, safe transport, and final supply of illegal weapons allegedly meant to fuel terror activities and create unrest.
In a major crackdown on an international arms smuggling and terror module, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested two more key operatives linked to a network allegedly backed by Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI.
In a major breakthrough against an alleged ISI-backed international arms smuggling and terror network, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested two more key operatives, taking the total number of accused held in the case to 12.
The two accused, identified as Imran, 37, and Mohammad Kamran, 27, were detained at IGI Airport on April 2 on the basis of a lookout circular and were later formally arrested after sustained questioning. Investigators said both were closely linked to absconding mastermind Shahbaz Ansari and had been actively working for the module for nearly a year.
Police said the duo played a critical role in receiving arms consignments routed through Nepal, transporting them into India, reassembling dismantled weapons, and delivering them across the network. Their primary responsibility involved logistics, safe transport, and final supply of illegal weapons allegedly meant to fuel terror activities and create unrest.
The probe has revealed a sophisticated international smuggling route, with weapons allegedly sourced from Pakistan, routed through Thailand, and sent onward to Nepal to hide any direct India connection. From Nepal, the consignments were broken into parts and smuggled into India through illegal channels before being reassembled and stored at secret locations.
Investigators also uncovered professionally designed hidden cavities inside vehicles used for transportation. Police said the concealed compartments were built so expertly that they were nearly impossible to detect during routine checks. Similar cavities were found in a seized Maruti Swift allegedly used in the smuggling operation.
Based on disclosures made by the accused, the Crime Branch recovered a .30 bore Chinese pistol, a .32 bore revolver, and 11 cartridges. Earlier, police had already seized 23 sophisticated foreign-made weapons, 211 cartridges, and a sub-machine gun. Given the seriousness of the case, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA, has been invoked against all the accused.
The biggest revelation in the investigation so far is the alleged direct link to Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. Officials said absconding kingpin Shahbaz Ansari was allegedly in touch with handlers based in Pakistan and Nepal, who instructed him to channel foreign weapons into India through his network of operatives.
Investigators now believe Shahbaz Ansari is currently hiding in Bangladesh. Police said interrogation of the 10 accused arrested earlier revealed that a major consignment seized on March 25, including weapons made in Brazil, Germany, and Turkey, had been sent by Ansari from Bangladesh.
Ansari, a resident of Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh, is considered one of India’s most wanted arms traffickers. He is accused of supplying weapons used in the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and has previously been arrested by the NIA in the same case. Officials said he later absconded after securing bail on medical grounds linked to his wife’s illness.
Congress, buoyed by gains in Vidarbha and Nandurbar, is asserting independence within the MVA. Frustration over seat-sharing, UBT Sena’s BMC moves, and allies’ perceived proximity to the BJP have deepened a trust deficit, prompting the party to recalibrate its strategy.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, NCP leader Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray
The Baramati assembly by-election has evolved into more than just a local contest; it is now the epicentre of a shifting political paradigm in Maharashtra.
By fielding Akash More, an MPCC Secretary and son of ex-MLC Vijay Rao More, against Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar, the Congress party has signalled a bold departure from the traditional “unopposed” courtesy often extended in such sensitive seats.
More, who carries the legacy of his father and represents the influential Dhangar community, is not just a candidate; he is a symbol of Congress’s resolve to reclaim its ground in a state where it was once the undisputed leader.
This strategic move highlights a growing rift within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). While the Congress scored the highest in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, its subsequent “miserable” performance in the 2024 Assembly polls while tied to the MVA has triggered an internal rethink.
Congress, buoyed by gains in Vidarbha and Nandurbar, is asserting independence within the MVA. Frustration over seat-sharing, UBT Sena’s BMC moves, and allies’ perceived proximity to the BJP have deepened a trust deficit, prompting the party to recalibrate its strategy.
The drama in Baramati is mirrored in Rahuri, where the suspense ended with Govindrao Mokate filing his nomination as the MVA candidate from NCP (SP).
This follows a high-stakes meeting where BJP State President Ravindra Chavan and Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil attempted to convince former Minister of State Prajakt Tanpure from NCP (SP) to allow an unopposed election.
Even CM Devendra Fadnavis intervened via telephone, yet Tanpure, who recently lost in 2024 and was rumoured to be joining the BJP, remains non-committal, citing the need to consult his supporters.
The internal friction within the MVA was most evident in the calculated absence of Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal, who travelled to Kerala during the nomination process.
Sources suggest Sapkal avoided Baramati for three key reasons: out of courtesy to Sunetra Pawar after a personal phone call, to signal “generosity” toward allies who preferred an unopposed seat, and to avoid a show of strength that might trigger a sympathy wave for Ajit Pawar.
Reactions from allies remain cryptic. Sanjay Raut noted that Sunetra Pawar had spoken to Uddhav Thackeray, but emphasised that Congress’s decision was their own, stating, “There are many players in this; Baramati is the Pawar stronghold.”
Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar took a democratic stance, asserting that Congress has every right to field a candidate and there is no reason to demand an “unopposed” contest, recalling how Supriya Sule defeated Sunetra in the previous Lok Sabha bout.
Besides allegations of sexual exploitation, Kharat has also been accused of financial misconduct, land grabbing, and illegal property deals in various locations. An ECIR was filed against him and his aides by the ED recently, on April 4.
Arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report – the ED equivalent of a police FIR – against Nashik-based self-styled godman Ashok Kharat and others, taking cognisance of the multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against them in Nashik and other cities.
The astrologer, who was arrested last month after a married woman claimed that he raped her repeatedly over three years, is accused of several other serious offences, including sexual intercourse through deceitful means, and violations under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
Besides the aforementioned allegations, Kharat has also been accused of financial misconduct, land grabbing, and illegal property deals in various locations. The ECIR against him and his alleged associates was registered by the ED on April 4. The money-laundering investigation is likely to focus on allegations that several properties amassed by Kharat were acquired through fraudulent means and schemes.
The investigators are expected to prioritise identifying the proceeds of crime. According to sources, the probe agency also plans to take Kharat into custody to get further details of the alleged fraud perpetrated by him and information about his purported associates.
ED will soon initiate the probe with raids, sources said. Meanwhile, documents related to the primary charges against Kharat, which are being investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Maharashtra Police, have already been shared with the ED.
ASHOK KHARAT CASE: BRIEF OVERVIEW
Ashok Kharat, also known as ‘Captain’ Kharat’, is a former merchant navy officer who has been arrested for allegedly raping a woman and exploiting others under the guise of religious practices.
Amid LPG shortages triggered by the Israel-US-Iran conflict, a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Chandauli district has remained largely unaffected due to a community biogas plant set up in 2022 by a local resident.
Community biogas plant set up in 2022 by a local resident.
Even as the ongoing Israel-US-Iran conflict continues to disrupt LPG supplies and trigger shortages across India, a small village in eastern Uttar Pradesh has remained largely unaffected, thanks to a community biogas initiative.
In Ekauni village in Uttar Pradesh’s Chandauli district, around 125 out of nearly 150 families are using biogas for cooking, insulating themselves from the ongoing LPG crisis that has forced people in many parts of the country to queue up for cylinders.
Residents here receive biogas supply for three hours in the morning and three hours in the evening, which they use for daily cooking needs. The system, set up four years ago, has now proven crucial during the current crisis.
The transformation began in 2022 when Chandra Prakash Singh, a local resident, established a biogas plant in the village and provided connections to households. At the time, neither he nor the villagers anticipated that such an initiative would one day help them navigate a nationwide LPG shortage triggered by geopolitical tensions.
Villagers say the decision has paid off. Kanchan Singh, a homemaker and biogas consumer, said that while earlier the connection felt like a routine utility, its importance has grown significantly during the LPG crunch. She noted that families now plan their cooking around supply hours but are relieved to avoid long queues and shortages. She also pointed out that alternatives like induction cooktops have become more expensive, making biogas a more convenient option.
Another resident, Akhilesh Singh, said the biogas facility has ensured uninterrupted cooking despite the LPG crisis. He highlighted that biogas is not only more affordable, costing nearly half of LPG, but also highly convenient. Without it, he said, villagers would have faced the same difficulties as others, including long waiting times for cylinders.
The idea for the plant stemmed from Singh’s background. After completing his BTech from Indore, he chose not to pursue a job and instead joined his father in managing their gaushala. What started with around 50 cows a decade ago has grown to about 200 under his efforts.
Abhey Singh, a former aerospace engineering student from the IIT Bombay, became a social media sensation last year during the Mahakumbh Mela.
Abhey Singh, aka IIT Baba, became a social media sensation last year during the Mahakumbh Mela. (X/@Shivanshp007)
Abhey Singh, popularly known as “IIT Baba” after gaining attention during the Mahakumbh Mela, has married an engineer from Karnataka.
According to a report by Dainik Jagran, Singh tied the knot with Pratika in Himachal Pradesh on February 15, coinciding with Mahashivratri. The couple later visited his hometown in Jhajjar, where the marriage came to light.
Pratika, an engineer from Bengaluru, said the two met around a year ago. What began as a friendship gradually turned into a relationship. She described Singh as simple, honest and truthful person, adding that they are happy together.
Speaking about their future plans, the couple told Dainik Jagran that they plan to establish a Sanatan-focused university that will combine modern education with spiritual teachings.
Following the wedding, Singh returned home with his wife, where his mother welcomed the couple with traditional rituals, including aarti and sweets. The house saw a steady stream of visitors eager to meet him and take photographs.
Who is Abhey Singh?
Singh, a former aerospace engineering student from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), became a social media sensation last year during the Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj. Originally from Haryana, he grabbed the attention of the devotees for his ability to articulate spiritual ideas in fluent English.
He has previously said that he left the path of science to pursue spirituality. He added that he lived in Mumbai for four years before shifting his focus to photography and the arts.
Today, Singh identifies as a devotee of Lord Shiva. He has often spoken about blending scientific understanding with spiritual exploration. “Science helps explain the physical world but its deeper study inevitably leads one towards spirituality. A true understanding of life ultimately brings one closer to spirituality,” he had said earlier.
Search for successor began in January after Wilson expressed his wish to not continue after his contract ends, HT has learnt. His term was to end next year.
Campbell Wilson quit as CEO of Air India. (HT File Photo)
Air India chief executive Campbell Wilson has resigned but will stay on with the company till a successor is found, according to four people familiar with the matter. The development sets the stage for a leadership transition at a time when the airline faces operational disruptions, rising costs and a likely record loss this year.
Wilson’s resignation was accepted at a board meeting last week, these people said. “He will continue to be in the system until the board finds his successor — to help in a smooth transition — whenever that happens, until September,” one of them said.
Campbell’s five-year term was scheduled to end in September next year.
Air India refused to comment on the matter.
The search for a successor had begun in January after Wilson had expressed his wish to not continue after his contract ends, people familiar with the matter said. He joined Air India in September 2022 on a five-year contract — after the airline was privatised in January that year — and that is now set to end a year before term.
Air India is in advanced talks with candidates and a critical meeting in this regard is scheduled next week, another person close to the development said.
However, when asked about the possible candidates, he said, “They are all full-service carrier CEOs. Naming someone is not correct at this stage.”
Comes amid turbulence
The airline is grappling with multiple challenges, the latest being airspace restrictions due to the West Asia crisis, aircraft supply constraints and rising costs, people aware of the matter said. The airspace curbs have forced the airline to take longer routes with fuel stops, significantly increasing operational costs, especially on international routes which form a large part of Air India’s network.
These challenges add to the fallout of the June 12, 2025 crash of one of the company’s Boeing Dreamliners (Flight AI 171), shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport, killing 241 people on board and on the ground.
Reports have said that the airlines losses could be as high as ₹20,000 crore in FY 2026.
An industry insider said, “The airline should look for someone with strong credibility, global experience in running a complex full-service carrier, familiarity with low-cost operations (for Air India Express), and who is within five years of retirement.”
The CEO of Air India Express, Aloke Singh’s tenure as a CEO expired on March 19. He announced this to the airline employees via an emial on March 2.
